In the Australian Air Force Cadets (AAFC), the safe conduct of activities is a core organisational value which underpins everything we do. This includes ensuring that youth protection is of the highest importance.

To enable the safe conduct of activities, the AAFC must be risk aware. No one should be put at unnecessary risk. We have a moral and legal obligation to ensure that all risks to health, safety and wellbeing are eliminated. If that is not possible, all risks must be minimised so far as reasonably practicable – always.

All of us must take the time to understand and fulfil our safety obligations to reduce injuries and strive towards zero harm and a generative safety culture.

Our Senior Leadership Team is committed to the continuous improvement of the AAFC safety performance. We will monitor and measure our performance against safety targets through the Air Force Safety Board. We expect all staff and cadets to drive local safety improvements and bring noteworthy risks to our attention.

We are committed to providing you with a safe and healthy working environment which will include the necessary training, resources and systems to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of our staff and cadets.

Achieving strong safety performance requires clear communication, responsibilities and accountabilities.
We expect you to:

• Identify and understand all hazards and risks prior to undertaking an activity, ensuring all available controls are used effectively. If anything changes during the task, identify any new hazards and risks, and apply additional controls to maintain a safe workplace.
• Raise any safety concerns with the AAFC leadership. Provide frank and fearless feedback if you find deficiencies in supervision, procedures, equipment or facilities.
• Report accidents, incidents, errors or risks through approved systems. Promptly and thoroughly investigate safety incidents so we can identify contributing factors and lessons to prevent recurrences.
• Maintain high standards and encourage positive safety behaviors by promptly recognising safety excellence and calling out violations and unsafe behaviors.

We will do everything we can to ensure a safe and healthy environment within the AAFC, and we need you to do the same for us, your fellow staff, volunteers and the cadets. People are the key to a successful AAFC and we must protect their safety — always.