New Health and Safety Policy and Standard
The new Scouts Australia Health and Safety Policy and Health and Safety Standard presents a significant change in approach to how we think and act on our health and safety commitments, requirements, etc within Scouting in Australia.
What are the key changes?
The biggest change in the new policy and standard is to move away from an approach that is limited to legislation. This new policy and standard is based on a commitment to provide a healthy and safe environment to all those involved in all aspects of Scouting, irrespective as to whether that is enforced by specific health and safety legislation or not
Why are we making this change?
Australian Work (or Occupational) Health and Safety legislation is written from the context of “workers” who are “employed” by an organisation at a “workplace”. Most people involved in Scouting are youth, volunteers, supporters, etc who are members of our organisation and participate in activities.
By limiting our health and safety approach to just the aspects of Scouting that is covered by legislation, we would be showing a lack of commitment to the very members our organisation is for, especially our Youth.
If we aren’t required to do something by legislation, does it remain optional?
No, our commitment to Health and Safety is to all those involved in Scouting. In addition, the decision as to whether something is required under the legislation varies by circumstance (and so may apply anyway). If we always apply the same policy and standard, then we know we will always be compliant with the legislation.
What is the context for Health and Safety within Scouting?
Put simply, we should consider health and safety in everything we do. When we think about “all those involved in Scouting”, the youth and adult members are usually the first that come to mind. But we also have supporters, employees, parents, maintenance contractors, etc who interact with our members. When we fundraise, the scope may become even wider.
This doesn’t mean that we are suddenly responsible for everybody’s safety. But it means we may have some responsibility that people aren’t hurt when we undertake Scouting.
What are the other changes?
The second key change is to structure the Policy and Standard to fit within the new style of document hierarchy that is being used for other Scouts Australia documents. The Policy describes the why (our intent), while the Standard sets in place the what – that which must be followed. It is important to note that Branches can (and will) define any local policies, processes, procedures, guidelines etc that describe how the Branch achieves the requirements of the Policy and Standard.
So, what do I need to do?
Firstly click on these links to better understand the national approach
and, make sure you are always consulting with your Branch as to any special requirements/processes you need to observe.