Safe work practices
This page provides information on the safe work practices implemented under the Towards a Safer Culture Strategy.
The practices were implemented to ensure ACT Health workplaces embed safe workplace design principles in new builds and redevelopment of workplaces.
Nurse and midwife-to-patient ratios
The Ratio Framework outlines safe work practices. This includes the way that work is performed including organisational documentation that underpin the delivery of work:
- vision and values
- policies
- procedures and guidelines.
The framework has informed the commitment of the ACT Government to implement mandated minimum nurse and midwife-to-patient ratios in 2021-22.
Rostering and leave allocation
The Towards a Safer Culture Review 8 v2, Staffing Models Discussion Paper and Strengthening Rostering and Leave Allocation Guidelines Discussion Paper include evidence-based guidance and recommendations to strengthen ACT public health services rostering practices and future staffing models to improve nursing and midwifery safety.
Safe workplaces
Safe design includes consultation with nurses and midwives in the design phase of new builds and refurbishments as well as incorporation of reduction of occupational violence concerns as a key element in the design phase and adherence to the Australasian Health Facility Guidelines.
These documents are owned by Canberra Health Services and have been strengthened with extensive consultation and input received by the TASC Steering Committee and other key infrastructure stakeholders. These have been shared, with permission, to all ACT health workplaces to create a consistent approach to consultation with end users when commencing any new build or refurbishment.
If you would like access these documents, contact NM.SaferCulture@act.gov.au.