Return to school is a crazy time for students and parents, but especially for schools themselves! With so much happening in this short period, below is a quick checklist to keep in mind for student and teacher safety.

The 6 Tips:
  1. Ensure all District employees know how and where to report safety concerns.
    • Do you have a work order request system that employees can utilize?
    • Is there a central contact for expressing safety concerns?
    • Is there a safety committee or safety officer that reviews safety concerns?
  2. Ensure all District employees know to report all accidents, no matter how minor.
    • Educate everyone on where and how to report an incident.
    • Ensure those responsible for conducting accident investigations have been trained on your policies and procedures for reporting injuries.
  3. Ensure any newly hired employees receive a full safety orientation covering emergency procedures, accident reporting, required safety protocols, etc.
  4. Review Emergency Procedures with all District employees
    • Ensure everyone is familiar with lockdown and evacuation procedures for their building.
    • Confirm locations or emergency equipment such as AED’s, fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and emergency response personnel.
    • Train staff on any changes to security protocols or security measures implemented during the summer break.
  5. Reminders for Teachers Preparing Their Classroom
    • Use safe practices when hanging posters and wall materials. Do not stand on chairs or furniture. Instead, use a designated step stool or step ladder.
    • Do not work alone in otherwise unoccupied buildings.
    • Verify that doors lock/unlock as intended.
    • Check for tripping hazards (e.g., electric cords, rugs, floor transitions, etc.).
    • Ensure furniture is stable and items in storage are secured.
    • Ensure all chemicals and cleaning compounds that could be accidentally consumed have been removed and properly stored.
    • Ensure plugs and cords are free from electrical or fire hazards (e.g. exposed wiring near the plug)
  6. Review bus arrival areas for safety
    • Ensure signage for traffic flow is clearly visible and routes minimize pedestrian interactions.
    • Ensure lighting is good and that students do not walk within 10-feet in front of parked school buses to ensure drivers can see them.
    • Ensure any faculty assisting with student arrival wear reflective vests and are properly trained on safe arrival protocols
    • Ensure walkways are free of tripping hazards.