WorkSafe ACT inspectors visited 45 childcare centres across Canberra last Wednesday, and issued 179 improvement notices and two prohibition notices ordering unsafe practices to stop.

The two prohibition, or stop work, notices were issued due to exposed wires on an electrical power board and a damaged vacuum lead.

Work Health and Safety Commissioner Jacqueline Agius said several centres didn't have procedures in place to store dangerous chemicals like cleaning products and hadn't regularly checked electrical equipment.

"We also found it concerning that a number of centres didn't have procedures in place to handle situations of occupational violence," she said.

"By having these processes in place, employers can help prevent or minimise the risks of violence and aggression towards staff members."

"Employers are reminded they have a duty to protect their staff, and one way they can do this, is by assessing workplace risks and implementing safe systems of work.

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"Everyone has the right to work in a safe and healthy workplace."

The crackdown was part of a program to improve worker safety at childcare centres.

WorkSafe ACT has also been undergoing a blitz of construction sites around Canberra. Through Operation Safe Prospect, hundreds of safety notices have been issued and construction sites closed down.

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