WORKING SAFELY IN COMMUNITY SERVICES
2ND EDITION
OCTOBER 2006

PUBLIC SECTOR AND COMMUNITY SERVICES

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This publication is based on the Community Services Safety Pack developed by WorkCover New South Wales in consultation with its community services organisations, including the Council of Social Services of New South Wales (NCOSS). This version has been developed to ensure compliance with Victorian law and to incorporate helpful contact information. Consultation with Victoria’s community services peak bodies and relevant government departments informed its adaptation. Please note: if your organisation provides homecare services you should also refer to the Victorian Home Care Industry Occupational Health and Safety Guide that specifically covers home maintenance, meals on wheels, respite, attendant care and personal care.

COMMUNITY SERVICES OHS INFORMATION PACK
Community services workers play a vital role in caring for our people and helping to maintain a quality of life expected in Australian society, often in challenging and confronting circumstances. The Victorian community services sector employs more than 60,000 people and many volunteers who are committed to providing services that enhance the physical, mental and social wellbeing of individuals. Community services work can be very rewarding, but it can also present challenges in delivering outcomes in a way that balances the rights of clients with the safety and wellbeing of employees. Nobody wants to be injured or otherwise harmed at work, but community services workers are often required to provide care or make decisions in an environment that can be hazardous. In Victoria in the past year there were more than 1,200 claims in the community services sector. Work related injury or illness sustained by employees were mostly due to manual handling, slips, trips and falls and