Understanding Risk Assessment

At swan academy we never compromise in safety. To achieve this goal, we apply an easy and consistent approach to the evaluation and handling of risks. This practice gives us the ability to assure the safety of our environment daily and also that any risks are found and solved in a timely manner (ACECQA, 2020).

STEP 1: IDENTIFYING THE HAZARD

A hazard is anything that could cause harm. We are constantly aware and careful about various hazards such as broken toys, sharp objects, slippery floors, damaged furniture and buildings, small choking hazards and many more. Daily safety check-ins, reports and documentation, team meetings, active supervision, end of  the day cleaning and recovery are some of  the methods for identifying hazards (ACECQA, 2020). 

STEP 2: ASSESSING THE RISK

Once a hazard is identified, we think about:

  • How likely is it to cause harm? 
  • How often might it happen?
  • How serious would the outcome be?

This step helps us understand the seriousness of the hazard and how quickly it needs to be handled. We can use a simple risk matrix to analyse whether the risk is low, medium or high. This helps us to better understand and manage the risk (ACECQA, 2020).


STEP 3: MANAGING THE RISK

After we understand the risk, now it's our turn to manage it using proper control measures. These control measures help us to eliminate or reduce the risk so that we can make the environment safe and secure. For example, repairing and replacing broken furniture, removing broken toys, keeping chemicals separate and locked up, proper  supervision, safety mats installed for children, providing children with clear safety instructions. Additionally, we record the hazards and actions taken with respect to them in our hazard control log for risk assessment (ACECQA, 2020).


STEP 4: EVALUATING THE CONTROL

After adding control measures, we evaluate the following:

  • Is the hazard now safe?
  • Has the risk reduced?
  • Did our actions work?
  • Do we need stronger measures?

Educators properly analyse and implement control measures and supervise the actions taken. These steps are crucial to understand that all the hazards are addressed and future accidents can be prevented (ACECQA, 2020). 

STEP 5: REVIEWING & MONITORING

The last  stage in risk assessment is continuous review and monitoring. Educators must always ensure that every incident has been documented, evaluated, and resolved. They should constantly watch, and be conscious of the things happening around them.They should go back to the hazards records and take appropriate action and close the report once the problem is solved. The safety logs are updated regularly and monitoring and supervision of children should continue too. At Swan Academy, educators mention and discuss hazards in the team meeting so that all people are aware of them and necessary steps can be taken. For example, some children might be playing with broken toys. Educators should be aware of it and eliminate the risk and inform others as well (ACECQA, 2020). 

Following these five steps keeps our service safe. By identifying, assessing, managing, evaluating and reviewing risks, we meet our legal responsibilities under Section 167 and provide families with reassurance that children are always protected (NSW ECEC Regulatory Authority, 2025)

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