Tool/Technique | Safety Management |
Definition: | Safety is an aspect whose importance has been growing in the last few years in the social context, rising concern for prevention of situations that can be a danger for people. At the moment, certain safety conditions are being searched in all life scopes, conditions that relate to quality and welfare. One of the scopes that claim for guaranteeing safety is the educational one. Children, young people, teachers and other staff spend a lot of their daily time in schools, places where there is a wide variety of risks and hazards (physical, as well as psychical and social), that may negatively affect their health and well being. In order to prevent dangerous situations in schools, safety conditions are to be regarded, in all of the aspects: the school physical environment (building, playgrounds, equipment and surroundings) and the social environment (quality of relationships) (CECC-UNICEF, 2008). |
Purpose: | Managing school safety is a complex and oftentimes daunting task. With violence in schools on the rise in EUROPE, implementing the right safety plan can be difficult. Protecting both staff and students from violence and other hazards are, unfortunately, becoming a major part of health and safety plans in many schools. Also, the whole school environment outside or inside of the school should be a safe environment for children preventing injuries of physical or mental nature. |
Description: | In a classroom environment, significant health and safety issues include class size, pupil behaviour, maturity, limitations of space, layout, equipment, etc. All of these potential sources of harm should be covered in one classroom risk assessment. In classrooms where there is a high level of risk – such as science labs, sports halls, and design and technology rooms – a separate assessment will need to be undertaken. |
Knowledge: | 1. Movement around the classroom According to HSE accident statistics, slips, trips and falls are the most common cause of occupational injury, accounting for 29% of all non-fatal accidents. While they may appear relatively minor, slips, trips and falls can have serious consequences, not only in terms of injuries sustained but also the cost to employers. For schools, a slip, trip or fall can leave you a member of staff down, forcing you to arrange cover. Plus, with young children prone to these types of incidents, proactive prevention is essential. Fortunately, slips, trips and falls can be largely avoided by implementing simple, inexpensive precautions and good day-to-day practices. Falls are particularly likely to result in a serious injury. In fact, falls from height are the number one cause of fatal injury in UK workplaces. In a classroom environment, for example, teaching staff or pupils using classroom furniture such as desks or swivel chairs to reach something up high can result in significant injury. 2. Furniture, fixtures and fittings Despite the financial pressures on schools, ensuring that fixtures and fitting are maintained is essential to minimising dangers in the classroom. 3. Manual handling This doesn’t mean that a risk assessment is required every time someone carries something, such as handing out textbooks, but does mean that: Staff have a good grasp of safe manual handling techniques and understand the risks involved; and Appropriate manual handling aids are provided if heavy objects need to be moved. (This could be something as simple providing a trolley for moving a computer). 4. Computers and other display screen equipment (DSE) While using DSE (PCs, laptops and tablets) may appear relatively harmless, prolonged use and/or a poorly-designed work station can result in serious health problems, including musculoskeletal disorders, difficulties with vision, and mental stress. To what extent have pupils been advised about good practice when using computers? If your staff are using computers as part of their everyday role, has a workstation assessment be completed? With schools increasingly embracing technology in their classrooms and musculoskeletal disorders accounting for 29% of all working days lost due to work-related ill health, properly assessing and safeguarding against DSE risk is essential. 5. Electrical equipment By law, all employers must ensure electrical equipment is maintained to prevent danger. The HSE advises that the type and frequency of user checks, inspections and testing needed will depend on the equipment, the environment in which it is used and the results of previous checks. Naturally, in a classroom environment, electrical equipment is likely to be used a lot, and with vulnerable people under your care, the need for good electrical safety is high. 7. Fire With a high number of young people gathered in one place, it’s vital that school leaders take a proactive approach to fire safety. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, schools must risk assessing their premises to identify potential fire hazards and put measures in place to keep risk to a minimum. Schools must ensure that: Any fire exit doors in the classroom are remaining unobstructed, unlocked and easy to open; Fire-fighting equipment is in place; Fire evacuation procedures are clearly displayed; and All staff are aware of the evacuation drill, including arrangements for any vulnerable adults or children. 8. Ventilation and heating A classroom that is too hot or too cold can affect a child’s ability to learn. With this in mind, ask the following questions of your classroom environment. |
Abilities: | With improving safety management skills teachers will be able to recognize potential threats in the school environment before they become real ones. The safety of the children in schools is of most importance besides education. Teachers are always in the front line with the children, so they have to learn how to effectively warn school management of potential threats. |
Tips for teachers: | Although schools or classrooms follow certain regulations regarding safety, a teacher should always check their classroom if everything is safe for them and for the pupils. If you find anything which could harm you or the children, immediately inform school management. The school management should provide a safety checklist for a quick response. |
Sources / resources | https://elliswhittam.com/blog/schools-classrom-health-safety/ https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000261350 https://www.hse.gov.uk/risk/classroom-checklist.pdf |
Safety Management