Occupational Health, Safety and Wellbeing Management in Schools

4. COVID-19 employee health, safety and wellbeing supports for schools

The latest COVID-19 advice for schools is available at: COVID-19 advice for schools.

Schools are no longer required to follow a COVID-19 Safety Management Plan at their school. Schools can manage health and safety risks, including COVID-19 related risk if required, by implementing the measures set out in the COVID-19 School Operations Policy.

The department’s OHS Advisory Service (safety@education.vic.gov.au) or local Regional OHS service officers can assist in tailoring the plan to individual school needs. Principals must consult with their staff through local health and safety representatives (HSRs) and health and safety committees (if applicable) or via staff meetings to implement the health and safety guidance to the extent reasonably practicable, and escalate unresolved issues via eduSafe Plus (staff login required), which is being proactively monitored by the department to provide support.

Managing the risk of COVID-19 in schools

Schools should continue to follow the advice outlined in the COVID-19 – School Operations Advice for managing the risk of COVID-19.

COVID-19 infection prevention and control training and information

Department staff working on-site in schools are encouraged to familiarise themselves with official Department of Health advice to reduce the spread of the virus and protect the community.

Other information and useful sources

• Employee Health, Safety and Wellbeing services for all staff (staff login required)
• Principal health and wellbeing services are available to support leaders of the school community
• If there are issues that require escalation for support (such as issues in implementing the guidance), schools should contact the OHS Advisory Service on 1300 074 715