Training Programs

OHS Training

DEECD Approved First Aid Providers

Contact the Department Approved First Aid Training Providers (PDF - 54Kb) to book in for training. Courses have been designed according to the Department's First Aid & Infection Control Guidelines. Contact  your Regional OHS/WorkCover Advisor to seek funding for the cost of the course. 

HSR and Management Nominee Training Providers

The list of HSR & Management Nominee Training Providers (PDF - 43Kb) should be used by DEECD employees for the purpose of Health & Safety Representative initial and refresher training and Management OHS Nominee Training. Contact  your Regional OHS/WorkCover Advisor to seek funding for the cost of the course. 

Safe Use of Machinery in Technology

In 2007 DEECD piloted the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA) accredited Course in Safe Use of Machinery for Technology Teaching - 21820VIC with course content developed for DEECD by Holmesglen TAFE.

The Course

The purpose of the course is to instruct woodwork and metalwork technology teachers from Government, Independent and Catholic schools in the safe operation and basic maintenance of woodwork and metalwork machinery.

The VRQA accredited course comprises 3 units:

• Applying OHS Principles to Technology Teaching - VBQU618 – 8hrs Prerequisite - Nil
• Safely Operate and Maintain Wood Working Machines – VBQU619 – 16hrs  Prerequisite - VBQU618
• Safely Operate and Maintain Metal Working Machines– VBQU620 – 8 hrs Prerequisite - VBQU618

There will be a competency assessment as part of the training (see below for further information).

Course Providers

The Department sought expressions of interest from suitably qualified TAFEs. The list of course providers to Victorian Government Schools is attached. These TAFEs have the capability to work in partnership with schools in their area/region through their participation in the VET and VCAL courses. The Employee Health Unit has provided course materials and machine safety posters to the selected TAFEs.

Is the course mandatory for woodwork and metalwork teachers?

While the course will not be mandatory the assessment of competency in the safe use of machinery is compulsory. Nevertheless it is expected that the course will be beneficial to all woodwork and metalwork technology teachers as part of their ongoing professional development.

Funding

A training fund for technology has been allocated across the 9 regions to December 2009. This regional allocation was calculated based on both the number of secondary and primary/secondary schools in the region and the number of enrollments in those schools.

For course Content see Managing Technology Risk  

Occupational Violence - Training Program for School Employees

This training program is designed to assist schools to put in place processes to prevent occupational violence and manage incidents if and when they occur. The Occupational Violence training is directed at preventing incidents with outside intruders and members of the community such as parents who are displaying aggressive behaviour towards employees and school Principals. 

In choosing to do the Safety and Security in Schools (Occupational Violence) Training Program you will be asked to consider how your school can be more inclusive of and collaborative with your school community and key stakeholders. This can then strengthen the community’s commitment to the safety and wellbeing of school employees.  Elements of the course will also begin a discussion on the practical design measures that can be taken to assist with safety and security.  In order to prepare for this discussion we ask that you complete the school audit prior to the course.

At the end of this practical workshop your school will have discussed and begun to articulate a strategy around safety and security for your school.  You will also have begun mapping out a plan for implementation. 

How Can I Access Training for my School?

Initially, schools that fall into the High Risk or Medium Risk categories (see below) should consider taking part in the training.  

The school is then responsible for selecting employees to attend the training.  If it is not possible to train all staff the school should arrange a representative group from relevant areas of the school to attend the training. This group should include the leadership team and your elected Health and Safety Representative (HSR).

Your trainer will provide an Attendance Record as well as Course Evaluation Sheets.  The trainer will ensure that these records are forwarded to the region at the conclusion of the training. 

Risk Categories 

High Risk = 3 reported Occupational Violence incidents within previous year

Medium Risk = 1 reported Occupational Violence incident within previous year

What to Do

1. Download and complete the Pre Training Checklist and Audit.  This document provides you with the opportunity to more closely examine the situation at your school in relation to Occupational Violence.  Your facilitator will be in touch with you, whereupon the completed checklist can be forwarded to them in the preferred manner. 

Download the Pre Training Checklist and Audit (Word Document) (Word - 122Kb)

Download the Course Manual (PDF - 564Kb)

2. If it is not possible to train all employees it is important  to consider the people that will represent the school at the workshop.  We recommend that you have all areas within the school represented (i.e. Administration, Teaching, Leadership Group, SSSO's, Health and Safety Representative etc.) so that the information can be passed on to those not attending.

3. Contact one of the DEECD Occupational Violence Training providers (PDF - 28Kb) to organise a training session for your school or workplace. Contact  your Regional OHS/WorkCover Advisor to seek funding for the cost of the course. 

4. It is also worthwhile reading the DEECD policies relating to occupational violence in order to familiarise yourself with the philosophies and policies underpinning this training.  

WorkCover Training

Throughout the year, the Employee Health Unit, in conjunction with our WorkSafe Authorised Agent (CGU Workers Compensation Insurance) offer Return to Work Coordinator Seminars at various metropolitan and regional locations.

The seminars are available to any DEECD employees who are undertaking the role of Return to Work Coordinator in their workplace or those that are responsible for managing WorkCover matters. 

The three hour seminars will focus on legislative obligations, the role of return to work coordinators and the management of the return to work of employees who have suffered psychological or physical injuries.

At the conclusion of each seminar participants will have an understanding of:

• compliance with the return to work and suitable employment provisions of the WorkCover legislation.
• the roles and responsibilities of return to work coordinators.
• the respective roles of treating health professionals, WorkSafe Authorised Agent, and occupational rehabilitation providers.
• the options that are available for providing suitable employment for employees who do not have the capacity to return to their pre injury duties or pre injury workplace.
• the importance of effective communication in the return to work coordination process.

A minimum of 10 seminars are held each year and invitations are sent via circular to all regions.

For further information or to register your interest in future seminars, please do not hesitate to contact Belinda Owen in the Employee Health Unit on (03)9637 2441.