HEALTH & SAFETY NEWSLETTER APRIL 2005
NUMBER OF ASSAULTS ON TEACHERS INCREASING
Recent research by the NUT has revealed that the number of teachers suffering physical assaults continues to rise. Figures released by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) show year on year increases in reported assaults over the last few years, as set out below:
YEAR ASSAULTS REPORTED TO HSE RESULTING IN MAJOR INJURY RESULTING IN MORE THAN 3 DAYS OFF WORK H&S Reps are reminded of the 'School Security Checklist' appended to the NUT Health and Safety Briefing on Security and Violence. This provides the basis for a comprehensive risk assessment to be conducted on the wider topic of school security, including risk of assault and threat of assault. This and all other Health and Safety Briefings can be viewed on the NUT's website www.teachers.org.uk. The website also provides links to DfES web pages on 'School Security' and 'Violence in Schools', amongst other related links.
H&S Reps and all colleagues are urged to ensure that all assaults are reported. Forms (AS96) are available in schools or from BANUT OFFICE 442 2031.
TUC SAFETY REPRESENTATIVE SURVEY
The TUC's 2004 biennial survey of safety representatives, based on over 4,500 responses, has revealed that just 53 per cent of employers carried out adequate risk assessments, with this being compounded by a lack of safety inspections by the under-resourced Health and Safety Executive.
The top three health hazards identified in the survey were stress, repetitive strain injuries and back strains - suffered by 56 per cent, 37 per cent and 31 per cent of workers respectively.
Health and Safety Reps (or in their absence School Reps acting as H&S reps ) are entitled to receive copies of Risk Assessments . They should always examine them carefully . In examining risk assessments safety reps should particularly refer to their own inspection reports in order to ensure that points raised in their reports are also dealt with in the risk assessment .They should , however , bear in mind that merely because a risk assessment addresses their own points , it does not mean that it has necessarily assessed all significant risks in the school or process in question .
OCCUPATIONAL VOICE LOSS
Teachers and call centre workers are the most likely groups of workers to suffer voice-related problems, according to an article in the November/December 2004 edition of the TUC-backed health and safety magazine 'Hazards'.
In any one year around one in five teachers has to miss school as a result of problems with their vocal chords - around five times the rate for the UK workforce as a whole. A key factor leading to occupational voice loss is voice overuse, because human voices are not designed for constant use without breaks.
The Hazards magazine article, 'Work Hoarse' contains a number of recommendations for how employers and union safety representatives can help reduce the risk of occupational voice loss, as well as citing a number of case studies of workers' experiences of this problem - including a case in which the NUT's legal department was successful in securing industrial injury benefits on behalf of a member suffering from the condition.If you would like a copy of this article or the NUT's own guidance on voice care, please contact the BANUT office, or for the latter, visit the H&S pages on the N.U.T.'s website .
GUIDANCE ON MRSA
The following guidance has been received from the NUT Health and Safety Unit at Hamilton House following a number of queries on this subject. The NUT briefing on Infectious Diseases in Schools will be updated accordingly in due course.
Staphylococcus Aureus (SA) is a common type of bacteria carried in the nose or on the skin by around 30 per cent of the population. Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) includes several strains which are not killed by powerful antibiotics e.g., methicillin.
SA and MRSA do not usually pose a risk to healthy people, and the majority of people 'colonised' with MRSA do not have any symptoms and are not aware of the infection.
However, SA can cause a number of different problems such as boils and abscesses in any part of the body. It can also cause impetigo, septic wounds, heart-valve infections, food poisoning and toxic shock syndrome.
Those most at risk from MRSA are people whose immune response is depressed for any reason, for example, people who are tired and run down, ill, injured, or those who have had some kind of surgery.
Patients in hospital tend to be more susceptible as they are already unwell, and the bacteria can be transferred easily from person to person in a hospital environment.
People who are infected with MRSA will be given specially selected antibiotics. Those who are 'colonised' by MRSA are often treated with antiseptic powder or antibiotic cream depending on the location of the germs.
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) advises that MRSA does not harm healthy people, including pregnant women, children and babies. This applies both to family members and close social or work contacts. However, MRSA can affect people who have certain health problems - specifically those who are immuno-compromised for any reason.
Where there is concern about possible risks associated with MRSA, head teachers should first discuss the matter with the NUT school safety representative/NUT health and safety adviser and the local education authority.
If there is continued disquiet about the level of risk in a particular educational establishment, specialist guidance should be sought from trained health professionals on appropriate risk assessment and preventative measures. Advice can be obtained from:
· the local Infection Control Team. The local Primary Care Trust (PCT) will be able to supply contact details of the Infection Control Team. To find out the telephone number of the local PCT, go to www.nhs.uk;
· the local Health Protection Unit (part of the Health Protection Agency). Local contact details are available at www.hpa.org.uk.
Contact should also be made with the appropriate NUT Regional Office. Additional information on MRSA is available from NHS Direct at www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk.
OFSTED REPORT ON OUTDOOR EDUCATION
OFSTED has produced a report on the provision of outdoor education across the country. It highlights the positive benefits which can result from field trips and outdoor pursuits, and states that the quality of education offered by schools and outdoor activities centres is often 'good'. However, the report expresses concerns about the extent to which fear of litigation has dissuaded teachers from organising such activities. Chief schools inspector, David Bell insists that teachers have 'nothing to fear' if they follow the right guidelines.
The report can be found at: www.ofsted.gov.uk.
Meanwhile, the NUT has submitted evidence to the Select Committee on 'education outside the classroom'.
As part of the evidence, Steve Sinnott, General Secretary of the National Union of Teachers, said:
"All youngsters should be guaranteed on entitlement to the best possible educational experiences both inside and outside school. It is essential, however, that the entitlement of young people to a creative curriculum should be accompanied by the highest possible health and safety standards and levels of support for teachers.
"If there is a full commitment to these standards on the part of all stakeholders and if teachers follow NUT and Government guidelines in organising outside visits, all our members will be able to undertake these activities confidently without fear of litigation".
HEALTHY LIVING BLUEPRINT FOR SCHOOLS
This has recently been launched by the DfES. It contains a number of initiatives, including:
· a review of nutritional standards for school meals with the aim of cutting the levels of salt, sugar and saturated fat eaten by children;
· an aim to increase the amount of physical activity in schools;
· enhancements to the teaching of nutrition in science lessons.
The Healthy Living Blueprint for Schools can be viewed at www.teachernet.gov.uk. It includes sections on curriculum, food and drink, PE, a 'whole school approach' plus 'frequently asked questions'.
Not surprisingly these initiatives fall way short of really addressing these crucial issues which have proven links to children's behaviour, concentration and attainment .
Colleagues who are interested in improving the standard of school meals may contact Nigel Baker at the BANUT office for advice, support and information .
NUT HEALTH AND SAFETY REPRESENTATIVES' TRAINING COURSE
The next training course for school safety representatives will take place from Monday June 27th to Friday 1st July 2005. I would encourage all Health and Safety Reps to attend this outstanding course.
NUT HEALTH AND SAFETY TRAINING
"STRESS AND WELLBEING : WHOLE SCHOOL APPROACHES"Monday 13th - Wednesday 15th June 2005
Over recent years stress has been regarded as one of the main problems in schools. However there are many strategies that you and your school can adopt to ensure a positive approach to stress and wellbeing .
Details and application forms for both courses are available from the NUT Membership and Communications Department on 020 7380 4781/4837, or apply online at www.teachers.org.uk or email enquiries to training@nut.org.uk.
BANUT HEALTH & SAFETY REPS BRIEFING
WEDNESDAY 22 JUNE 2005
Get up to date or refresh your skills and knowledge. Contact:
John Carmichael Health & Safety Adviser BANUT
Tel: 0121.442.2031
Fax: 0121.442.2032Email: banut@btclick.com