In June 2008 a survey of PCA members was conducted covering the election and role of the HSR, training, HSR networks and any suggestions to improve OHS in schools generally. Over 210 members responded and here is a summary of findings.

1. HEALTH & SAFETY REPRESENTATIVE (HSR)

• 98% of schools had a HSR
• In only 52% of cases was the HSR elected by all staff
• As with other surveys (preschools, disability centres), many principals see the role as one assisting management with compliance, etc rather than a pure HSR role
• In 84% of cases the HSR had undertaken the 5 day HSR course. The majority of exceptions were small primary schools due mainly to cost and/or unavailability of accessible training
• The main barrier to having an elected HSR was 'not enough time to do the job' (63% of cases)
• The most popular strategy to encourage people to stand for election as HSR was the training course (60%) but other strategies listed were popular

2. TRAINING

• The majority of respondents found OHS training adequate (75%)
• The main suggestion to improve training was to provide the training more flexibly by offering alternatives to the 5 consecutive day model
• 55% of respondents would like OHS training

3. NETWORKS

• The majority of respondents were supportive of OHS networks
• The most popular meeting proposal was ½ day per term during school hours
• The most common suggestion to improve the capacity to release the HSR to attend network meetings was CRT funding (42%)

4. IMPROVEMENTS

• Funding was the main suggestion to improve OHS for both principal and staff (16%)
• Simplified action-oriented documents / procedures, available online, with an emphasis on best practice
• Develop a whole staff approach to health & safety
• Shared role for small schools / regional rep
• Regular visits from consultant

5. OTHER COMMENTS

• Principals appreciate the desirability of having a trained HSR but many feel that there is insufficent time or resources to handle OH&S properly
• Workload & aggressive students / parents were two of the specific OH&S issues identified
• Inadequate and/or rundown facilities & insufficient funds were regularly mentioned
• Concern was also raised about the inadequate design of specialist settings, particularly in relation to withdrawal spaces & the needs of students with certain disabilities

Click here for a detailed analysis of the survey.