The Institute of Professional Organisers (IOPO) Conference 2024, held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, was a significant event in the Professional Organising calendar. This year’s conference delved into the complexities of the brain and mind, enhancing thought, communication, and creativity, and equipping attendees with skills to better support their clients and themselves.
A key highlight was our OHS Consultant’s presentation, “Protecting What Matters – Proactive WHS Management for a Stronger, Safer Business.” Tania, an IOPO Accredited Professional Organiser with extensive experience in both practical organising and small business leadership, provided critical insights into Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) management.
Real-Life Scenario and Key Insights
Tania illustrated the significance of proactive WHS management using an all-too-likely scenario where a new worker is injured at work due to inadequate safety measures. It highlighted common issues such as a lack of hazard awareness, reliance on luck, gaps in WHS knowledge, and the challenges of implementing safety practices. It gave all attendees in the room cause for reflection and a desire to understand what they can do to prevent the same from happening in their own businesses.
With a goal to empower business owners to take definitive steps to reduce risks before the end of 2024, Tania outlined 4 recommendations that are free and easy to implement.
Introduction of Best Practice Tools
Tania introduced attendees to two essential WHS Best Practice Tools: the Risk Matrix and the Hierarchy of Controls. These tools, though widely recognised as best practice, are underutilised in the Professional Organising industry. She demonstrated how integrating these tools into daily operations could enhance safety practices and reduce incidents.
Identifying and Managing Predictable Hazards
Tania also identified 28 common and predictable hazards in the Professional Organising industry – including health, environmental, safety and psychosocial hazards- urging attendees to be on the front foot when it comes to being prepared to encounter and manage these risks.
Importance of Consultation and Internal Audits
Finally, Tania emphasised the need for consultation with workers and other stakeholders to identify risks and develop practical solutions and urged business owners and leaders to conduct internal audits of their WHS practices to evaluate safety protocols, identify gaps, and plan improvements for 2025 – offering to provide them with a free checklist which was well taken-up.
Introducing the new FCHR Online Learning Platform
Excitingly, Tania launched FCHR’s new Learning Platform, and released the new WHS Management Essentials for Professional Organisers (Leaders) Course. This first of its kind course offers comprehensive guidance on WHS management for the Professional Organising industry, including:
- Module 1: WHS Responsibilities and Resources
- Module 2: Risk Management
- Module 3: Safety Equipment
- Module 4: 28 Health and Safety Hazards
- Module 5: WHS Management
A new way of delivering HR and OHS content, we’re excited to see how online learning can support our members and clients over the coming years.
Your next step
Check out the new FCHR online learning centre by visiting FCHR Online Learning HERE, or access it via our website. Reach out to Tania at if you’d like more information about the course, or to discuss the development of bespoke training for your business.