Work Health & Safety Policy
Introduction:
Vitality Club pledges to uphold the highest standards in work health and safety (WHS), aligning our practices with Australian legislation, Aged Care Quality Standards, and industry best practices. This commitment is integral to our mission, ensuring the safety and well-being of our staff, clients, and all individuals interacting with our operations, with a strong emphasis on continuous improvement and sustainability.
Policy Objectives:
The objectives of this policy are designed to:
Prevent workplace-related injuries and illnesses, with a zero-tolerance approach towards incidents.
Ensure compliance with legislative requirements and Aged Care Quality Standards, particularly Standard 3, which focuses on delivering personal and clinical care that upholds dignity and autonomy while being tailored to individual needs.
Identify and mitigate risks in all areas of operation, promoting a safe and healthy environment.
Maintain and comply with work cover insurance policies and conditions, ensuring full protection for all employees.
Promote awareness and adherence to our comprehensive incident, accident, and emergency management procedures.
Facilitate the development, procurement, and regular update of medical or behavioural management plans for clients, in partnership with their carers.
Encourage an open and effective communication culture for reporting hazards, risks, and incidents, ensuring prompt and appropriate responses.
Incorporate environmental sustainability into our WHS practices, recognizing the impact of environmental health on overall well-being.
Ensure data security and responsible use of technology in managing client information.
Implementation and Continuous Improvement:
The Executive Team will actively engage in reviewing and improving systems and practices based on feedback from incidents and stakeholder input, ensuring alignment with evolving standards and regulations.
A structured feedback mechanism will be established, inviting contributions from staff, clients, and their families towards safety and service improvements.
Regular reviews of WHS policies will be conducted to incorporate advances in care practices, technological innovations, and feedback from our community.
Workplace Standards and Staff Requirements:
Vitality Club is a smoke-free and substance-free workplace, with strict guidelines on substance use to ensure the safety and well-being of clients and staff.
Staff are required to maintain communication readiness through their devices, with guidelines to balance availability with the respect for client privacy and service integrity.
The privacy and dignity of clients are paramount; strict protocols govern the handling of client information and images, emphasising respect, consent, and confidentiality.
All staff are mandated to possess up-to-date certifications including criminal record checks, appropriate accreditations and vaccination records ensuring a trusted and safe service environment.
Compliance, Enforcement, and Staff Development:
Immediate action will be taken in response to breaches of standards or legislation, with a clear procedure for suspension, investigation, and resolution, ensuring fairness and transparency.
The policy outlines a clear pathway for addressing and resolving client or representative breaches of service agreements, focusing on mediation, support, and, where necessary, service adjustment.
Continuous education and training for staff will be prioritised, supporting their development and ensuring the highest levels of care and safety in our services.
Conclusion:
This revised WHS policy reflects Vitality Club's dedication to excellence in care, safety, and compliance with the Aged Care Quality Standards. By fostering a culture of safety, respect, and continuous improvement, we aim to not only meet but exceed the expectations of our clients and their families, ensuring Vitality Club remains a leader in providing safe, effective, and compassionate care.
Last Updated Feb 2024