School districts should develop a risk management program with policies and procedures that demonstrate reasonable care and that include regular inspection of all buildings and grounds. Highlights areas of potential legal difficulty. (MLF)

An Educational Risk Management Plan (ERMP) should be incorporated throughout every school district. Discusses property and liability insurance classifications and features of a good ERMP. (12 references) (MLF)

The number of accidental deaths and injuries could be reduced if more children knew how to identify potentially dangerous situations, respond effectively to emergencies, and properly treat common injuries. Parents must teach their children self-care and safety skills, demonstrating, guiding, and praising the children as they practice the skills.…

Lists several common physical fitness exercises that may cause more harm than good (both physically and emotionally). Physical educators must be aware of the dangers of certain exercises and activities. The article examines problems with inappropriate warmups, peer team selection, exercise as punishment, elimination games, and standing in line.…

Noting that many types of potentially tragic accidents and calamities can be avoided or averted if we take the time to learn how, this book examines the characteristics of several household and outdoor hazards and how to prevent or minimize the possibility of injury, particularly to children. The chapters deal with the following potential hazards:…

This book presents guidelines and checklists for lowering the occurrence of injuries in sports and other physical activities. It targets teachers, coaches, and athletic directors. Chapter 1, Introduction, presents an overview of the issue. Chapter 2, How To Use This Book, presents suggestions and describes how to use the checklists. Chapter 3, The…

An examination was made of five major campus fires between 1971 and 1983 in an attempt to better understand the fire hazards associated with the operation of a modern U.S. college or university campus. Overall research revealed a general lack of interest in campus fire safety by colleges and universities in the United States and Canada. Analysis…

Intrinsically safe design is presented as a logical extension of the principles of barrier free design, and as a higher level design strategy for effecting widespread implementation of the basic accessibility requirements for people with disabilities. Two fundamental planning procedures are proposed: including principles of safe and accessible…

To ensure worker safety, fleet safety managers need professional staffs, good access to top management, and sufficient authority to discharge their duties. Safety programs should include careful driver hiring; training, including orientation, testing, and practice; comprehensive accident reporting; and cooperative compliance programs with…

The author looks at the different tools and processes used in the art classroom, pointing out areas of safety concern, and suggests tool maintenance and use standards which can prevent classroom accidents. (SJL)

Computer system hard drives will fail at some time. Stresses preparing to cope with emergencies that cannot be prevented, including making arrangements for use of an alternative computer in case of system failure. Outlines requirements for a computer environment; explains that backup is the key to disaster recovery. Describes four public domain…

Preventing accidents in the first place should be the goal of school transportation directors. To do this, and limit liability, a district must (1) have a strong driver-training program; (2) check drivers' records and references; (3) provide and record maintenance of the bus fleet; and (4) spell out operating and training opportunities in…

This paper presents strategies for making regular physical education settings and activities safe for all students, focusing on several key aspects of making inclusive settings safe (the needs of students with disabilities, the teaching environment, equipment safety, safe teaching techniques, and content). Checklists and information forms are…

Designed for high school science teachers, the document warns of potential health threats of performing certain experiments and using certain chemicals or chemical combinations in their courses. Following a rationale for more carefully considering health dangers, the document gives suggestions on what can be done by teachers. Reports such as a…

The starting point of an effective school safety program is the development of a written policy statement that reflects the school board's belief in safety for its students and that is widely publicized to the staff and community. A sample safety/security policy is provided that lists, first, the superintendent's responsibilities in establishing a…