Of the 32,000 school-related accidents that occur annually, 5,000 are directly related to science classes. This article acquaints high school principals with their specific legal responsibilities for science laboratories. Areas of concern include laboratory security, appropriately furnished facilities, proper instruction, and protective gear.…

Discusses the history of student injury litigation and various defenses that have been used against charges of teacher negligence. Presents 12 guidelines for student safety in vocational agriculture programs. (CH)

Safety has not been stressed adequately in most school systems, leaving students and teachers in unnecessary danger and schools subject to lawsuits. Creation of an effective school safety program involves establishing a written safety policy, appointing an active safety committee, and conducting safety inspections. (PGD)

Camp riding programs should be examined regularly for liability and risk management issues. Elements of a basic safety assessment include requiring proper safety apparel, removing obstructions from riding rings, ensuring doors and gates are closed, requiring use of lead ropes, securing equine medications, banning smoking, posting written…

Describes the funding mechanism in Illinois that permits school districts to levy a separate tax to pay for risk management and tort liability. Offers practical applications for risk care management including risk care management job descriptions. (MLF)

The issues of accident and injury prevention, and safety in physical education programs are discussed in terms of hazard identification and reduction, compensation for unavoidable risks, and avoidance of unnecessary hazards. (JMF)

The Consumer Product Safety Commission's "Handbook for Public Playground Safety" stands as the industry's reference tool and is a primary source for measuring liability in accident claims. Today's playground accidents are usually caused by poor maintenance, antiquated design, or layout problems. A series of tests are available for…

This book begins with a progress report on preventing childhood injuries. Settings for pediatric care are discussed as well as The Injury Prevention Program (TIPP). Child abuse is also addressed in the first section. In section two, specific childhood injuries and interventions are discussed. Each chapter begins with an overview of the problem,…

Presents two scenarios to illustrate the difference between liability and negligence. Also presents highlights of four actual cases related to laboratory security, appropriate facilities, proper instructions, and protective gear. (JN)

A roundtable discussion of the issue of seat belts in school buses features United States Representative Peter H. Kostmayer, who has introduced a bill providing incentive grants to states to adopt and enforce laws requiring the use of seat belts in new school buses; three bus manufacturing executives; and two educators. (MLF)

The author presents three court case studies and questions related to the cases, so that aquatic facility owners can test their liability perception. Recommendations are made in seven areas as defenses against aquatic liability. (JMK)

A risk management plan for outdoor education programs should include procedures for regular program implementation, as well as rescue, first aid, and accident follow-up procedures. Stresses understanding legal and ethical responsibilities and the importance of sufficient insurance protection. Includes suggestions for dealing with conflicts in…

Over the past few years both administrators and teachers have found themselves involved in an increasing number of law suits. When students are injured on school grounds, parents often place the blame of negligence on the teacher, so many teachers find themselves involved in lengthy court battles over the issue of liability. Teachers and…

Compares and contrasts two recent court cases concerning injuries to school children resulting from a lack of adult supervision. Although in Louisiana the courts awarded financial compensation to the family of the injured child, North Carolina courts dismissed the claims of a similar suit. (JBM)

Following the guidelines of the "Handbook for Public Playground Safety," published in 1981 and currently being reevaluated, is only a first step in an overall playground safety program of planning, purchasing, installation, maintaining, and supervision. Includes playground safety checklists and ways to make playgrounds safer. (MLF)