This page includes resources for workplaces in the Early Childhood Education and Care industries on work health and safety, workers’ compensation and COVID-19.
We also have information for the broader Education and Training industry.
The Early Childhood Education and Care industries provide education and care for infants or children, including:
- preschool education
- before and/or after school care services
- child care services
- childminding services
- children’s nursery operations, and
- family day care services.
Services may be provided in a range of settings, such as child care centres, preschools and private homes. Generally, it involves facetoface interaction between carers and children.
To ensure this information is as accessible and easy to understand as possible, we refer to ‘employers’ and their responsibilities.
However, under the model WHS laws, duties apply to any person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) which includes employers, but also others who engage workers. For more information about who is a PCBU see our Interpretive Guideline – model Work Health and Safety Act – the meaning of ‘person conducting a business or undertaking'.
The model WHS laws have been implemented in all jurisdictions except Victoria and Western Australia.
Safe Work Australia does not regulate or enforce WHS laws or the recently introduced COVID-19 restrictions on business operations. If you want to know how WHS laws apply to you or need help with what to do at your workplace, contact the WHS regulator in your jurisdiction. If you want to know what restrictions on business operations apply to you or your workplace, go to your relevant state and territory government website for information.