OHS Induction and Training for School Staff

Identifying OHS training

OHS eLearning modules

On commencement of employment and every 3 years, all school staff are automatically enrolled into the LearnED system to complete the mandatory OHS eLearns. OHS eLearn modules introduce school staff to, and refresh them on, common hazards and department procedures for particular OHS topics. The Mandatory and Priority Training Planner (staff login required) provides more information on eLearns required to be completed by school staff and principal class staff, as well as further optional eLearns to support particular roles in schools.

OHS eLearning modules can be monitored directly through eduPay in LearnED. It is not necessary to record eLearn training in the OHS training register or eduSafe Plus.

Additional OHS training

The principal or their delegate, in consultation with the health and safety representative (HSR) and affected staff, must identify additional OHS training specific to the needs of the school environment and the staff members' role.

Considering the school setting and understanding its specific risks can be helpful when identifying training needs.

For example:

• schools that have pools may need to have staff trained in managing an aquatic facility
• specialist schools may need to train staff in the use of hoists and lifting aids
• meeting the requirements of students with high-level needs, and managing risks specific to the student population
• risks specific to the broader school community and setting, such as parent and carer aggression, bushfires, and other surrounding infrastructure (for example, busy roads).

Training needs can be identified by:

• understanding the requirements and level of training needed for each staff member’s role
• reviewing a staff member’s position description and referring to the department policies relevant to that task or requirement
• being promoted or beginning a new role
• it being a requirement of a department policy
• a request from a staff member to upskill or improve their health and safety knowledge as they are exposed to a hazard that requires additional training to manage safely
• observing trends in incident and near miss reports in eduSafe Plus
• a staff member’s certification or qualification is expiring
• discussing OHS training needs in health and safety committee meetings, or through other staff forums
• student needs such as allergies, anaphylaxis, diabetes and other specific health conditions
• the minimum child safe standards
• WorkSafe compliance codes or recommendations in their guidance material.

Schools can use the OHS training register, the OHS short course guide (DOCX) or the Mandatory and Priority Training Planner (staff login required) to support with the identification of mandatory and recommended OHS training for all school staff based on their roles in the school. Reviewing the school’s OHS risk register can also assist in understanding what additional training requirements are relevant to specific activities, tasks or roles that may have a higher injury risk or hazards associated with that work.

The principal or their delegate must ensure the OHS training register or equivalent is reviewed and updated when training needs are identified.

Health, safety and wellbeing training for school leaders

The Health, Safety and Wellbeing training, offered by the Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership, is a one-day workshop designed to upskill principals, assistant principals, business managers and other OHS school roles in building and maintaining a positive safety culture. This workshop aims to empower school leaders to look after their own health and wellbeing, connect with key department supports and enhance their capability and knowledge of systems and supports designed to support effective safety management.

This training is not mandatory but is beneficial for all principal class and their OHS delegates, including new and acting principals to undertake.