Student Injury Rates in Public Schools How we as educators can help.

Are Our Schools Safe? Does a low number of student injuries make it a good school We as educators are responsible to protect all students from injury in and around school premises.

What Age Group is Most Likely to Sustain Injury? Students between the ages of Grades four to six Male students at risk more than female

Rules to Prevent Injury No running in the hallways No pushing or shoving Do not run with a scissors Hang on to handrail when going down stairs A safe school environment Safety program to help accidental injury Conditions that might affect their health School Environment

How Safe Are Our Playgrounds? What are the leading causes of injuries How can we prevent them

Top Injuries CollisionsTripsFalls

Data on School Injuries States do not have to report injuries Arizona, Hawaii, South Carolina, and Utah have data bases Reports are voluntary No guidelines for educators

Working Together Modify school equipment and facilities Supervision and safety policies Education of students, teachers, parents, and administrators about prevention

To Be Effective Open communication Interest in school safety Be an example Access to information Report hazards and injuries Find ways to control hazards

Before Accidents Occur Work places are check regularly Safety and health inspections Employees relay hazards to management Accidents are looked into Data reported so injury and illness can be prevented

School Inspections Periodically health and safety inspections need to be done A safe environment requires everyone's participation All grounds and buildings are included Be able to recognize hazards Hazards should be corrected

Checklist Playground equipment No mold on walls Leaks in roof Floor clutter Halls are clear Test water Handrail on stairs High heavy objects Bathrooms are clean PE equipment Signs/wet floor, etc. Trash on grounds Rugs are lying flat Ceiling tiles Carpet/tile Chairs, desks, tables

Stop Health Hazards Involve several individuals Schedule regular inspections Follow up When a hazard is found immediately eliminate before injury

Conclusion A safe and healthy environment is often taken for granted Parents trust us as educators Knowledge of how to reduce risk of injury is a must We must be actively involved to reduce student injuries

Reference Kaldahl, M. A., Blair, E. H. (2005). Student injury rates in public school. Journal of School Health, 75 (1), Retrieved June 7, 2005, from EBSCOhost academic search premier database. Questions?