Information Sheet
Managing Risks in Curriculum Activities
Information Sheet
Managing Risks in Curriculum Activities

This document aims to assist staff undertake an effective risk assessment. The information presented here should be seen as the ‘minimum expected standard’ to manage risk, rather than the definitive list of requirements.

All the information presented should be carefully considered in respect to specific context, such as: 1. Which students will be involved? (age, maturity, experience, specific needs, number) 2. What will students be doing? (jumping, swimming, cutting, cooking, throwing, etc) 3. What will students be using? (hazardous materials, sporting equipment, tools, stove, etc) 4. Where will students be? (classroom, outdoors, pool, creek, at height, etc) 5. Who will be leading the activity? (experience, qualifications, etc). THE RISK MANAGEMENT PROCESS The workplace health and safety risk management process involves the following steps: 1. Identify the potential hazards 2. Assess the risk 3. Decide on the control measures 4. Implement the control measures 5. Monitor and review. Ideally, this risk management process should be integrated into routine lesson planning. Risk assessments are best completed by more than one person thinking about the hazards and controls. Therefore, you are encouraged to involve those planning and delivering the activity in the risk assessment process. By incorporating effective risk management processes into curriculum planning, staff will be taking proactive measures to minimise the risk of harm to all involved.
Step 1. IDENTIFYING THE POTENTIAL HAZARDS
Hazards are things that have the potential to cause harm.

Hazards come in many forms – some are common and easily identifiable such as using machinery,