14. OSHA and You.

14. OSHA and You

This we believe (NMSA, 2010).

*Health and wellness are supported in curricula, school-wide programs, and related policies. Health & Wellness

The Department of Labor houses several agencies that provide guidance and rules that establish safe and equitable work environments. And while schools are predominately the responsibility of States, most receive federal funding and so must comply with both state and federal regulations.

In 1970, Congress created the “Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to assure safe and healthful working conditions for working men and women by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education, and assistance” (OSHA website, 2015).  The seeds of OSHA were planted in the early 1900s in the US. The administration is housed in the United States Department of Labor and the Secretary of Labor is a member of the President of the United States’ cabinet. The importance of complying with OSHA is one way our country works together to ensure the safety of its work force and its children.

Because school districts receive Federal funds we, as teachers and school districts, must comply with OSHA. One of the responsibilities school districts must address is the training of all personnel on issues related to OSHA. Since being hired, I have had three sets of training modules and I am responsible for learning about health concerns of our children.

When I was hired (this past summer) I was required to review training materials on specific topics. In the first week of school, the school nurse came by to give us training on how to use allergy devices and went over known health concerns of students on our team. This week all teachers in the district were provided with links to five modules that address various health issues and possible concerns. We are required to complete these modules.

As educators we are not only responsible for the intellectual development of our students, we are also responsible for their physical safety. In every school there are safety manuals. The following topics were part of this week’s OSHA topics. 

-Asthma, Allergies and Seizures

-Blood Borne Pathogens

-Hands on Guidance for Diabetic Care

-Lice Detection

-Medication Administration

Advice

1)   Review your district’s OSHA policies; be aware and comply with them.

2)   Know who the nurse and who the first responders are in your building. Discuss the policies and be sure there is an emergency plan within your team.

3)   It may be useful to have a “designated student helper” for such things as: emergencies, and other communication needs. I have designated a boy and a girl in each period to serve as a helper for me as well as to serve as a helper for a substitute.