SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT

Policy and Administrative Support

 District policies and administrative guidelines reflect a commitment to maintaining an
open and positive psychosocial climate and a healthy physical environment that are
conductive to high student achievement and the long-term health of students and staff.
 Policies, rules and regulations are consistently enforced.
 The chief administrator, the school board and the school health coordinating council
receive, at least annually, a report on the psychosocial climate of the school and a report
on the physical environment, along with an action plan for continuous improvement of
the school environment.
 A uniform process for reporting injuries and health problems in the school environment
should be in place and analyzed for the purpose of monitoring risk factors, trends and
patterns and suggesting possible preventive measures.
 Effort should be made to compare the progress in the psychosocial and physical health
arenas with relevant educational goals.
 Policies that assure safe transport of students to and from school (e.g., bus, bicycle,
walking) are enforced.

Psychosocial Environment
 Administrative support for a healthy psychosocial environment is evidenced by district
and campus policies and procedures.
 The school environment is friendly, nurturing, respectful of differ senses, physically and
emotionally safe and conducive to learning with high expectations for academic success.
 School climate problems are addressed directly, in a timely manner and discussed openly
within the limits of privacy.
 Effective instructional plans and techniques are used with all students to foster learning,
self worth and mental health.
 Students, families and staff work as a team in planning and implementing programs and
activities to affirm all cultural, linguistic and socioeconomic backgrounds.
 Students, families and staff are regarded as valuable and are involved in school
governance.
 Students are empowered to take a leadership role in the development and implementation
of programs to promote a healthy school.
 Focus is placed on people's feelings and needs as well as tasks and duties.
  Strong encouragement is given for students and staff to cooperatively solve problems and
resolve conflict in an open and respectful manner.
 A crisis response system has been established to support students and staff in the event of
violence, suicide, unintentional injury, death and other school-site incidents.
 Family involvement and support is encouraged.

Physical Environment
 The quality of air, water and other environmental elements is monitored to ensure the
safety and well-being of students and staff.
 The district/school has a tobacco-free, drug-free and violence-free policy for students,
staff and visitors on all school-owned property and vehicles.
 The structure of, or adaptations to, school buildings ensure access by persons with
disabilities.
 District and school emergency disaster plans are established and emergency drills held
periodically.
 Staff and students are trained in and practice emergency, first aid and infection control
procedures including universal precautions.
 All schools have and maintain equipment and supplies needed to implement first aid and
universal precautions for infection control.
 Buildings, equipment, playgrounds and athletic fields are clean, kept in good repair, free
of hazards and meet all safety standards.
 Student and staff comfort is maintained by adherence to appropriate standards for
heating, cooling, ventilation, lighting, space, safety glass and noise.
 The cafeteria facility creates an environment that encourages students to participate in the
meal service.
 Safe, clean, appropriately equipped bathrooms, including facilities for hand washing, are
available.

HEALTH EDUCATION
Policy and Administrative Support
 District policies and administrative guidelines reflect a commitment to attain desired
student outcomes essential to optimal physical and mental health.
 The chief administrator, the school board and the school health coordinating council
receive, at least annually, reports on actions taken and results achieved related to desired
student outcomes, along with the action plan for continuous improvement in health
education.
  At the intermediate and secondary level, certified health education specialists with
teacher certification teach the health courses. Coordination and team teaching with
related professionals is encouraged.
 At the elementary level, teachers have professional preparation in elementary health
education.
 Educators are given opportunities for effective professional training when implementing
a new curriculum.

Guidelines for a school safety program 

The following guideline is a tool to allow a school to compare their existing safety
program features to see if they meet minimal standards. It is not intended to replace a specific
safety program geared to an individual school. Each school should have a safety program created
specifically for that school by competent persons. Local school districts can assist with
developing a functional school safety program.

Policy statement:

Each charter or independent school should adopt a policy statement relating to safety of
employees students and visitors. The broad philosophy should be formally adapted and signed by
the school superintendent as well as the president of the board.

A sample statement might read as follows:

Statement of safety policy:

1. Purpose The Board shall establish a safety program with the primary objective of
providing a safe, healthy working environment for all employees, students and visitors.
The success of the Safety Program depends on sincere, consistent and cooperative efforts
of the entire staff. 
2. Authority The Board directs the establishment of a Safety Committee to provide
leadership in accomplishing the following objectives: 
 Prevention of human and economic losses from personal injury and property
damage. 
 Prevention of losses from fire and theft. 
 Ensuring the safety, protection, and well-being of students and staff. 

The Safety Program must assure compliance with federal and state regulations and
guidelines. An effective safety program must provide the staff with an awareness and
commitment to promote a safe and healthy environment. The staff must strictly adhere to
all aspects of the safety program. In-service activities must be provided to all staff to
develop a consistent and viable program.

3. Responsibility The Superintendent or his/her designee shall be responsible for the

enforcement of this policy.
Each school should have someone in administration designated as being ultimately responsible
for enforcement of the policy.

Written rules and regulations:

Policies, procedures, rules and regulations for all aspects of the school operations should
be established and written and updated as needed. All employees should have access to written
policies and there should be both paper copies and electronic copies available for review. Due to
the wide variety of activities and types of schools, policies should be established based on best
practices for the education industry. 

When reviewing a program for compliance with minimal standards the following areas should
not be overlooked:

1. Classroom policies 
2. Field trip policies 
3. Athletic event policies 
4. Lunchroom procedures 
5. Laboratory policies 
6. Housekeeping policies and procedures 
7. Visitation and Visitor identification policies 
8. Background check and employment application policies 
9. Zero tolerance weapons, drugs, and violence policies 
10. Maintenance and inspection guidelines and safety procedures 
11. Protection against unauthorized entry during day and when closed 
12. Fire drills 
13. Storm drills 
14. School violence policies 
15. Assemblies 

Due to the variety of departments within most schools the various rules and regulations
can be developed interdepartmentally by experts in those areas and compiled into a functional
manual by a safety committee or designated person. Of course some aspects of a school safety
program will be more complicated than others.

Accident investigation procedures:

It is essential in any functional safety program to have a procedure whereby accidents,

injuries and illnesses can be investigated promptly with accurate documentation of the findings.
Additionally, it is advisable to investigate "near miss" accidents even when no injury occurs.
Accident investigation allows for a school to eliminate or reduce those exposures, which are
commonly causing injuries as well as controlling those exposures that have resulted in near miss
accidents. Accident and injury analysis will make you aware of the most prevalent cause of
accidents within each department. At a minimum an accident investigator must determine the
following facts:
 1. Who got hurt, and what was the nature of his/her injuries? 
2. What was the injured person doing, exactly, when the accident occurred? 
3. What other persons were involved, directly or indirectly, in the incident? 
4. What were they doing, exactly, at the time of the accident? 
5. What physical factors were involved, equipment missing, defective, not being used?
Why? 
6. Were job procedures being violated? By whom? How? Why? 

In summary, these questions are designed to determine which factors existed, that if they
were removed, would have prevented the accident. Your school can use a specifically designed
form to gather facts after an accident or injury. In the alternative, you may choose to have a
supervisor and the injured party discuss the facts surrounding the accident and complete a
narrative explanation containing the essential elements of the investigation. It should not be the
purpose of the accident investigation to determine fault for the goal of punishment of the injured
party or other parties involved. The ultimate goal of accurate accident investigation procedures is
preventing future similar accidents and providing a basis for a claims investigator to begin
handling other aspects of the claim.

Record keeping procedures:

There is a common misconception that since Educational Services (SIC Code 82) “…are
not required to keep OSHA injury and Illness records…unless they are asked in writing to do so
by OSHA, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, (BLS), or a state agency operating under the authority
of OSHA…” that record keeping can be discounted altogether. In actuality the “Exempt
Industries” are only partially exempt. Schools, like other businesses, should develop some
method for recording and tracking injuries even if they are only using employment records and a
summary sheet. OSHA still requires that ANY fatality, OR if three or more employees are
hospitalized, a report to OSHA is required. For more information on the OSHA Record Keeping
standard visit the OSHA website
at:http://www.osha.gov/recordkeeping/ppt1/RK1exempttable.html.

Training and education:

It is essential that all new employees undergo a period of safety training in addition to
any new employee orientation training that may take place. Statistics consistently show that new
employees have the highest accident frequency rate. Management must provide new employee
training concerning specific rules and hazards in the employee's particular department. 

All training and safety meetings should be documented including the topics discussed
employees in attendance, as well as concerns raised by employees during the meeting. After each
employee completes the new employee orientation safety training documentation should go in
the employee's personnel file.
In the education environment some areas that need special attention regarding training include:

 Labs 
 Chemical use 
 Kilns and art tools
 Kitchens 
 Sports
 Traffic plans 
 Fire drills 
 Storm drills 
 Computer use 
 Media equipment use and safety 
 

Self-inspection procedures:

The purpose of safety and health inspections is to identify and correct unsafe conditions
and work practices before an injury occurs. The ultimate goal is to make the necessary changes
in the work environment and employee behavior through specific, methodical reviews.
Inspection procedures to identify conditions and work practices that lead to on the job accidents
and illnesses is essential. Identifying unsafe conditions relates to the physical environment
hazards that may be present in a school. These physical hazards have the potential for causing
employee injury. Examples may include poor housekeeping in classrooms, hallways, storage
closets or other areas requiring employees to step over or around debris while working.

Unsafe work practices address human behavior which can be influenced through
effective training and follow up to the training. An example of human behavior that may increase
the potential for injury at schools could be as simple as an employee's tendency to use a
classroom chair instead of a stepladder to access out of reach shelves.

A formal monthly review of safety activities in place at the operations should be

performed. This review is simply a follow up to disseminate information gathered during
meetings and review accidents or safety issues which have occurred since the last review period.
Additionally, special review activities should take place. These reviews relate to specific hazards
found at many job sites that can be eliminated by the following steps:

 Monthly safety reviews by a rotating two-person team from a safety committee 

 Semi-annual reviews performed by two supervisors. 
 Unannounced reviews or inspections performed by the safety administrator. 

It should be the goal of the self-inspection policies to maintain a safe work environment the
entire year, not just when an inspector is arriving. An effective inspection program will create the
atmosphere of "habitual safety."
Periodic safety discussions during staff meetings:

Management should have brief discussions about various safety topics during regularly
scheduled department or staff meetings. These meetings can be accomplished as a group or on a
one on one basis and should be designed to inform employees of any changes in safety policies
or procedures. Additionally, any new hazards, which are being introduced to the work place,
should be touched on during these meetings in advance of the changes. All meetings should be
documented and submitted to the safety director for review.

Emergency first aid and disaster procedures:

A school's emergency first aid procedures will depend largely upon the size of the
organization. OSHA requires that any organization which has forty or more employees at one
work place have a designated "first response individual". This individual must be certified in
CPR and emergency first aid training. Smaller organizations may have designated procedures
such as requiring a witness to an accident to contact local emergency authorities. All schools
should have adequately stocked first aid kits to be used in the event of an injury. First aid kits
may vary slightly depending upon the hazards at a particular organization.

A current industry trend is for public places to have in place Defibrillators that are used to
revive individuals suffering from heart arrhythmia and some heart attacks. If a company decides
to obtain an AED device caution should be taken to make sure someone with training to use the
device will be on site at all times. The purchase of AED devices on school campuses is becoming
more commonplace

Safety Rule

A principle or regulation governing actions, procedures or devices intended to lower the

occurrence or risk of injury, loss and danger to persons, property or the environment.

Basic Safety Rules

 STAY ALERT - and stay alive.
 WEAR THE RIGHT CLOTHES - work clothes should fit properly.
 USE THE RIGHT TOOLS - if you need a hammer, get a hammer.
 LEARN HOW TO LIFT - Lifting takes more than muscle; it is an art.
 DON'T BE A PRANKSTER - practical jokes and horseplay can be dangerous, especially
around heavy machinery.

Ten Safety Rules

1. You are responsible for your safety and the safety of those around you.
2. Accidents are preventable.
 3. Take pride in safety, the same way you take pride in the fruits of your work.
4. Understand all hazards before approaching a task. Prepare accordingly with PPE and
proper procedures.
5. Authorized access only—stay clear unless you are properly trained.
6. Ask questions until you are completely confident in your ability to safely perform a task.
7. A clean worksite is a safer worksite; ensure your work environment is properly cleaned
before proceeding with a task.
8. A well-maintained machine is a safer machine; always follow proper maintenance
guidelines.
9. Do it right or don’t do it at all. Use only the right tools. Use them only in the right way.
10. Safety is a shared goal and a shared effort

Top 8 School Safety Tips for Fall

 Implement an ID Badge Policy. ...
 Set Clear Rules & Limits for Students on Violence. ...
 Bully-Proof Your Classroom. ...
 Keep Your Classroom Organized. ...
 Raise Fire Safety Awareness. ...
 Plan for Severe Weather. ...
 Develop Resources for Depressed or Stressed Students. ...
 Maintain Locks on Doors and Windows.

School Health Guidelines

Guideline 1: Healthy Eating and Physical Activity

Guideline 2: School Environments
Guideline 3: Quality School Meal Program
Guideline 4: Comprehensive Physical Activity Program
Guideline 5: Health Education
Guideline 6: Health, Mental Health, and Social Services
Guideline 7: Partner with Families and Community Members
Guideline 8: School Employee Wellness Program
Guideline 9: Certified and Qualified Staff
10 Health and Safety Tips for Children in School
Make sure your children are healthy, safety and ready to learn

1. Get a check-up

Make sure your children have been seen by their primary care physician within the past year to
check their health and discuss any concerns, such as allergies or nutrition. 

2. Keep immunizations current

Under the California School Immunization Law, children are required to receive certain
immunizations in order to attend public and private elementary and secondary schools, child care
centers and other educational programs

3. Update medical information

Let the school know of any medications your child takes, both at home and at school, as well as
any medical conditions, such as diabetes, asthma, allergies or psychological issues. Be sure to
provide contact information for your pediatrician along with medical emergency instructions.

4. Review safety rules

Remind your children not to talk to strangers and never to get into a stranger's car, no matter
what the circumstances. Choose a "code word" that only you, your children and trusted friends
and family members know in case someone else has to pick them up, and instruct your children
never to trust anyone who doesn't know the code word.Teach your children their address and
phone number to contact you. Instruct them to find a parent, teacher or other trusted adult
immediately if they don't feel safe.

5. Establish emergency procedures

Familiarize your family with the school's emergency procedures, and provide current contact
information for parents and other relatives. Decide on a meeting point near the school where you
can meet your child in case of emergency if you cannot reach him or her by telephone. If your
child is old enough to use a cell phone, it may be a good idea to provide one that is reserved only
for urgent situations.

6. Make helmets a must

Does your child ride a bike to school? Helmet use can reduce the risk of head injury by up to 85
percent. Choose a helmet that meets federal safety standards and fits correctly. According to
the National Safety Council, a helmet should fit low and snug across the forehead. If you look up
and can't see the helmet, it's too far back. 

7. Avoid backpack overload

A backpack that's too heavy or worn incorrectly can strain a child's neck or back and may cause
injury. Backpacks should be lightweight with two wide, well-padded shoulder straps, a padded
back and a waist strap. Pull both straps tightly enough so that the pack fits snugly against the
back, but doesn't pull on the shoulders. Distribute the weight of items within the pack evenly on
both sides, and keep it light.

8. Stand up to bullying

Bullying is a serious problem, yet many victims don't speak up for fear of ridicule or retaliation.
If you suspect your child is a victim of bullying, encourage him or her to tell you what is going
on. Ask questions and offer support and comfort. 

9. Set reasonable schedules

Sports and extra-curricular activities help kids learn skills, socialize and have fun, but too much
of a good thing can become stressful and ultimately negate the benefits. 

10. Keep talking

With everyone on busy schedules, it can be difficult to find time to sit and talk with your kids.