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PARENTS SAY STUDENTS PREPARING FOR EXAMS AT DISADVANTAGE AS CLASSES REMAIN ONLINE
By Sheria Brathwaite
As the fate of the Lester Vaughan School hangs in the balance, parents are demanding answers from the Ministry of Education and the board of management about the environmental conditions at the Cane Garden, St Thomas campus.
Since the school term started in January, classes have been disrupted several times as teachers and students reported being ill, complaining of a pungent odour and breathing trouble.
Several irate parents have told Barbados TODAY they had had enough of what they described as silence from the ministry and the board. They said they wanted to highlight their plight in light of the disruptions to their children’s learning experience.
Over the past several weeks, they have been trying, to no avail, to get information about the environmental test conducted at the school last month, they said. Some parents also complained that the substitute online learning platform was difficult for senior-year students who had upcoming City and Guilds and Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations, and expressed fears that their children were being disadvantaged.
A plumbing contractor linked a persistent stench on the campus to a defective sewage system following several environmental tests on the campus.
On February 27, the school was once again closed early as Chief Education Officer Dr Ramona Archer-Bradshaw, union leaders, teachers and school management met to discuss a way forward for the school. The following day, a virtual meeting was held with about 200 parents and it was revealed that another test was done. But this time, samples were sent to an overseas laboratory to be analysed.
The upset parents said they had not received any update on the test results and wanted to know if the findings had been sent back to Barbados.
During the February 28 meeting, Deputy Chief Education Officer Joy Adamson announced that the hunt was on to set up a temporary satellite school for senior-year students. Nearly a month later, no accommodations had been facilitated, said the parents who expressed frustration that their children were struggling to complete School-Based Assessments (SBAs) and other final projects.
In a letter to Barbados TODAY, parents said: “We are displeased over what appears to be a lack of regard exhibited by the Ministry of Education with respect to communicating plans for the school’s future. This is in light of environmental issues faced by this institution, a grievous matter which has spanned over an extended period of 16 years, resurfacing over and over again and, most recently, causing major disruptions to the daily running of the school.
“Concerns regarding the validity of the environmental assessments within the last five years have been raised. Parents are pleading for a comprehensive study to be done on the environment, bearing in mind the previous school (St John’s Primary) that had environmental issues that resulted in its closing. Will this most recent test be any different from previous tests? Were there any tests done to identify sewerage gases being emitted? Have the symptoms that have been experienced by our children and the staff been considered when these tests were done?”
Parents said these questions needed to be answered as previous studies were done and remedial measures were put in place, but the environmental issues kept re-emerging.
“This recurring pattern has raised doubts about rational decision-making processes and begs further investigation into alternative courses of investigation. There exists a call for an urgent evaluation of individuals who would have been affected to determine the course of action required and to address their exposure to any harmful toxins . . . . The utilisation of online platforms post-COVID-19 was reserved for emergency situations. Given that students have only been participating in remote learning now for the fourth week, it suggests that the school is currently operating under a state of emergency.
However, there remains uncertainty regarding critical next steps and duration of time before receiving the results.”
Some parents of senior-year students said their children’s learning was compromised as several teachers had reported sick for several days over multiple weeks and learning time was lost.
They also complained that their children on many occasions also had respiratory issues and spells of headaches and nausea during classes that were in specific areas of the compound.
The parents’ letter continued: “We are profoundly disappointed in the current approach towards managing the fourth and fifth-year students who have impending CSEC and City and Guilds examinations. Students are gravely disadvantaged as a result of being unable to receive face-to-face guidance from teachers who would typically support them through this process. What pains parents is the assurance that accommodations would have been made to facilitate in-person instruction, such as being relocated to other schools, nearby churches, community centres, government offices and the private sector . . . . An appropriate plan must be in place to effectively mitigate learning loss. Merely transitioning to schooling online cannot suffice, given many students are struggling or are falling behind, due to lack of proper checks and balances in assessing virtual classroom performance accurately.”
Sheena Headley, head of the school’s parent-teacher association, said that over the past weeks, many parents have reached out to the executive seeking answers about the latest test results, whether the school will reopen and whether senior year students will receive special accommodations. Headley said that she was no wiser than the other parents, adding that she was “disappointed” she could not appropriately respond to the concerned parents.
Dr Donley Carrington, the chairman of the school’s board of management, told Barbados TODAY that the board did not determine the methods of student learning as that decision would have to be made by the Chief Education Officer.
In a related development, the findings of the latest environmental test on the campus are to be shared with the parents and other relevant stakeholders in a meeting soon, he said.
Saying it intends full disclosure about the school, the Ministry of Education said a press release would be issued on Wednesday, detailing the way forward and including information about the environmental test.
Ministry spokeswoman Gaynelle Marshall said a meeting was convened with the Chief Education Officer, union representatives, principal, board chairman and other officials late Tuesday evening.
Speaking on the parents’ communication concerns, Marshall said an official process must be followed, noting a chain of command involving the secondary schools’ board of management. It was not ministry policy, she declared, to circumvent the powers of the board of management or the principal, pointing out that communication must come from a school’s management team.
She said the ministry only got directly involved in the affairs of secondary schools when additional assistance was absolutely required.
Not all mold is toxic while others are majority toxic. At the same time, no mold in the home or workplace is good. Moreover, there are types that fall into a “most dangerous,” category that require professional mold removal intervention.
The most dangerous molds are considered “toxic” and can be considered harmful to humans and deadly. People think that toxic mold is one type of mold, but in fact, there are hundreds of species of mold that can be extremely harmful to the human body. Black mold is the most commonly well-known name of toxic mold among the public. It’s called black mold simply because of its color and appearance. Yet, it should be known that toxic mold can appear in any color.
HEALTH ISSUES CAUSED BY MOLD
People sensitive or allergic to molds may experience flu-like symptoms, including nasal and sinus congestion, sore throat, itchy, watery eyes or hives and asthmatic symptoms like wheezing and coughing. Additional symptoms may include localized infections of the skin and nails (onychomycosis) and eye infections. More serious infections can result in sinusitis, pneumonia, thrombophlebitis (blood clots), endophthalmitis (inflammation of the eye), septic arthritis (infection in the joints), and osteomyelitis (inflammation or swelling of bone tissue). Prolong exposure to mold can create other, more life-threatening conditions as well, including: cystitis – inflammation or infection of the bladderand brain abscess – a pus-filled swelling in the brain.
WHERE DO THE MOST DANGEROUS MOLDS GROW?
All molds grow in the same places even the most “dangerous.” Any place that is dark and accumulates moisture is a potential area for mold to grow. It can grow on just about any organic surface in your home or place of work if the conditions are right. Most common moisture sources are from leaks in the home and workplace. Although it doesn’t become airborne unless the mold is completely dry, mold grows quickly in damp environments. Water damage due to flooding, broken pipes or sewage backups in your home or workplace can create an ideal setting for mold growth, but even a slow, unseen leak behind the walls can cause major damage.
Since there are literally thousands of mold species in our world, it is nearly impossible to remove them all. We are exposed to molds every day since it grows inside and outside. Mold has its place in nature. But we must keep our homes and workplaces from becoming a breeding ground.
THE MOST DANGEROUS MOLDS
Toxic molds fall into five categories. Those categories are Penicilium, Fusarium, Stachybotrys, AspergillusandCladosporium. Each category includes many species of mold, and they have a wide variety of harmful qualities. Symptoms range from allergy type reactions to deadly illnesses. All five of these categories can grow indoors and be found in our homes.
Penicillium
About 200 known species of Penicillium are known to exist in the air or soil. Their purpose is to cause food and other perishable goods to spoil, and their presence usually indicates high moisture levels in the environment. Indoors, they will cling to various damp surfaces, such as walls and wallpapers, floors, and carpets. Colors range from blue and yellow to green and white.
These mold families have been connected to illnesses such as nail fungus and asthma.
Fusarium
Fusarium comes to life even at lower temperatures and is most often spotted growing on water-damaged carpeting and fabrics. Its prolonged presence can cause mild allergic reactions, asthma, and severe respiratory conditions. It will appear orange in color.
Stachybotrys
Stachybotrys is an intensely dangerous fungus, also known as black mold. Mold species under this genus produce mycotoxins wherever they are disturbed, which can cause serious infections. They usually grow on materials that contain cellulose and that have remained damp for a long period of time. Surfaces include cardboard and gypsum board, ceiling tiles, and wood etc.
Stachybotrys has also been linked to severe illness in young infants. Those people with compromised immune systems, small children, and the elderly are highly susceptible to illness when they encounter this type of mold.
Aspergillus
The least serious of the most dangerous mold groups, the Aspergillus mold family consists of almost 200 species. Only 16 of those cause illnesses in humans, none of which are fatal if treated. The mold is yellow-greenish in color and often encountered indoors.
Cladosporium
Cladosporium is a very common mold and is one that falls into the most dangerous mold category. This genus comes in an array of colors from green, brown, gray, or black colors and is comprised of around 40 different species. Common gathering spots include painted walls, wood, carpets etc.
Chronic cases of Cladosporium can produce pulmonary edema and emphysema.
CALL IN THE EXPERTS
If you do find mold in your home or workplace, you will need to identify which type of mold you are dealing with so that you can take the correct steps to remediate and remove it. Contacting a mold test service company can help you determine if you have one of the most dangerous molds and guide you in the proper treatment.
Molds are very common in buildings and homes. Mold grows well on paper products, cardboard, ceiling tiles, and wood products. Mold can also grow in dust, paints, wallpaper, insulation, drywall, carpet, fabric, and upholstery.
The most common indoor molds are Cladosporium, Penicillium, and Aspergillus.
How do molds get in the indoor environment and how do they grow?
Mold is found both indoors and outdoors. Mold can enter your home through open doorways, windows, vents, and heating and air conditioning systems. Many building materials provide suitable nutrients that encourage mold to grow. Wet cellulose materials, including paper and paper products, cardboard, ceiling tiles, wood, and wood products, are particularly conducive for the growth of some molds. Other materials such as dust, paints, wallpaper, insulation materials, drywall, carpet, fabric, and upholstery, commonly support mold growth.
How do you know if you have a mold problem?
Large mold infestations can usually be seen or smelled.
The National Committee for Wellness in the Workplace will soon be heightening awareness about this island’s National Workplace Wellness Policy.
This was revealed on Wednesday by Minister of Labour, Social Security and Third Sector, Colin Jordan, as he addressed a media briefing on matters relating to the Policy, at his Ministry’s headquarters in Warrens, St. Michael.
While noting that providing a platform to educate and sensitise citizens about the National Wellness Policy was key, Mr. Jordan indicated that video presentations and other infographics would soon be disseminated on various platforms to keep the public informed. He stressed that the Ministry was ready to move ahead with implementing the policy that was approved by the Cabinet in 2019.
Alluding to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the island, he said: “So, we started to meet again in 2022. We understood that for a wellness policy to make sense, to be effective, people had to be on board…. So, we have to educate people…. We understand that this [policy] cannot operate in that system. We have to get the information out and we have to do it in effective ways.”
Pointing out that a three-year action plan with a number of activities had already been developed to further the goals of the policy, Minister Jordan stated: “Now, the plan…is a three-year plan and it is broken down with year one focused on awareness building, focused on a promotional campaign on wellness in the workplace….”
The dissemination of some short videos to educate persons about the policy and its programmes will be done through social and traditional media.
Minister Jordan said there would be a dedicated website for the National Workplace Wellness Policy, and gave the assurance that it would be established by the end of March while the Instagram and Facebook platforms will be in place by February 28.
The National Wellness Committee is jointly chaired by the Ministry of Labour and the Barbados Workers’ Union (BWU). It comprises a number of organisations and persons. They include the Ministry of Health and Wellness[; the National Task Force on Wellness; the Ministry of the Public Service; Barbados Employers Confederation; Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association; the Small Business Association of Barbados; the Barbados Association of Medical Practitioners; the National Advisory Committee on Occupational Safety and Health; the Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Associations of Barbados; faith-based organisations represented through the Anglican Church; the Barbados Council for the Disabled; and The University of the West Indies.
Honorary membership has been assigned to Orlando “Gabby” Scott, and to Special Advisor, Professor Trevor Hassell.
The mandate of the committee is to oversee the implementation of Barbados’ Workplace Wellness Policy and to monitor the effectiveness of any strategies that are executed. Its Terms of Reference calls for the committee to provide overall coordination and oversight for implementation of the national policy.
It also includes engaging and planning with stakeholders, developing strategies and initiatives that further the intent of the policy. It is set up also to provide guidance and oversight to any of its subcommittees.
The roll out of the communications plan will be undertaken by the Promotions and Awareness on Workplace Wellness subcommittee, which is chaired by Professor Dwayne Devonish, of The University of West Indies.
Professor Devonish, in extending gratitude to the Ministry and the Committee “for pushing and advancing this monumental initiative”, said: “I think very few Barbadians know that we have a National Workplace Wellness Policy, and I think few of them know that it is really the first policy of its kind anywhere in this world. So, this is something definitely for all Barbadians, in fact, those in the Caribbean to celebrate….”
BUT, MP, PTA AGREE ON CLOSURE OF ST JOHN’S PRIMARY
by Sheria Brathwaite
Plagued with several environmental complaints over the years, St John's Primary School is to be closed indefinitely, the Ministry of Education has announced.
And the Barbados Union of Teachers (BUT), the parent-teacher association (PTA) and the Member of Parliament for the area have supported the closure of the 100-year-old Glebe Land primary school which has a roll of 100 students.
In a late-night press statement, the ministry announced that "most" of the students would be relocated to Mount Tabor Primary School in Sherbourne. With the move, two primary schools remain to serve the parish, the other being St Margaret's at Newcastle.
"The decision to close the school indefinitely was not as a result of environmental tests, but rather the collective costs incurred over the years without getting the desired results," the ministry said.
"There has been no final decision on the future of the St John's Primary School, but all options are being actively considered at this time."
For the past several weeks, teachers have been refusing to enter the classrooms at St John's Primary, complaining about mould and other environmental issues. Parents also joined in solidarity with the teachers and protested with their children outside the school gates. On December 4, the school was relocated to the Messiah's House of Prayer Wesleyan Holiness Church at Massiah Street, two miles away.
"I would have asked if the school closure is a result of the environmental test at the school and I was told blatantly no, that that had no basis on the decision, which I think the ministry could have at least respected the parents enough to be transparent about why the decision was made . . . . I believe that the report would have had to say something significant for them to conclude closing the school. There are other schools and institutions in Barbados with environmental issues and they are being corrected, and they are being reopened.
"So I think there is something more going on at St John's and that is why it is being closed. So I wish they were more transparent about what it is. Tell us the real reason why the school is being closed. But we do agree that the children cannot go back into that school."
Neither teachers nor parents were provided with the latest environmental test conducted by environmental hygienist Ian Weekes, who had to retest the school after the recommendations of the first study that was dated June 23, were not followed.
That test showed that "81.8 per cent of the surface sampled had predominantly or exclusively Cladosporium spores growth that ranged from light to heavy mould spore growth". After three months, the test becomes invalid.
"Those persons who were being impacted by the environment would now have a lease on the teaching and learning process without having to worry about the effects of the environment they occupied . . . . The school was worked on on several occasions and the problems kept coming back. So I see this as a positive step where the government can no longer continue to put money in a problem that has not been rectified."
In Wednesday's statement, the ministry said a meeting was held with teachers and staff about the school's closure. A virtual meeting was also held with parents.
Gill-Wilson said several parents had transferred their children since the start of the school term, adding that she was among those who had opted to do so owing to the school's persistent issues.
The parents were also informed that the students would be able to wear their St John's Primary uniforms for the rest of the term, which ends on Thursday.
"While other details continue to be fleshed out, the ministry is working with Mount Tabor to have the students and parents attend an orientation prior to the start of the new school term to familiarise both students and parents with the classes and new teachers where it applies," the ministry's statement added.
Expressing support for the closure of the school, MP Griffith said: "I believe that the best decision was taken on behalf of the students and on behalf of the staff. I remember, earlier this year or last year when the issue first came to light in terms of the problem with the mould, I met with the principal and staff members.
We. . . the government tried to rectify the problem and the Ministry of Education would have done all that is necessary in terms of trying to find a solution for our youngsters so that they would not be disadvantaged. And I am pleased with the solution."
In July 2014, Society Primary, another century-old school, was shut down amid claims of structural and environmental problems for many years.
Incident at Springer Memorial just a simulation, says ministry
Article by Sheria Brathwaite | Published on October 11, 2023
The Ministry of Education has explained that an incident that took place this morning at the Springer Memorial Secondary School, in which masked gunmen appeared to have stormed the school compound, was only a simulation.
Chief Education Officer Dr Ramona Archer-Bradshaw told Barbados TODAY the drill was carried out at the Government Hill, St Michael school in conjunction with the Barbados Police Service, the Barbados Defence Force and the Barbados Ambulance Service, to prepare the school body for any such occurrence.
As part of the drill, masked men armed with fake weapons ventured onto the school compound. Unaware of what was happening, some students panicked, with some reportedly having asthma attacks and saying they were traumatised. Some parents and guardians also collected their wards.
Acknowledging that the exercise did cause some confusion, Archer-Bradshaw said the ministry sympathised with parents who thought their children were in danger.
Chief Education Officer says the coordination of drills are the responsibility of the principal and the boards of management.
Dr. Ramona Archer-Bradshaw tells CBC News that she received notification that a drill was being conducted at Springer Memorial School.
The education chief while supporting the conduct of drills as part of the safety at schools initiative, is sorry about how some children were impacted.
Education chief admits simulation at Springer Memorial could have been done differently
Article by Emmanuel Joseph | Published on October 13, 2023
The Ministry of Education has announced that a safety and security plan, already in the works for public schools, will include how emergency drills and simulations are to be carried out, in the wake of Wednesday’s lockdown fiasco at the Springer Memorial School.
At a ministry news conference on Thursday, further details also emerged on what led to the outbreak of mass panic among the students of the all-girls secondary school.
Several students were apparently in the wrong place at the wrong time when a group of masked men, presumably armed, descended on the Government Hill, St Michael school, according to the committee that organised the drill.
Chief Education Officer Dr Ramona Archer-Bradshaw addressed journalists on the safety plan immediately following the ministry’s discussions with Springer Memorial principal Cheryl Gill and her deputy June Moe to ascertain why the security drill resulted in panic and trauma among several students.
Dr Archer-Bradshaw said that after listening to the principal and the deputy and acknowledging the “well-intentioned” simulation, there were some things that could have been done differently.
“So, we came away from the meeting with lessons learnt,” she told reporters. “I want to say at this point also that the Ministry of Education is working on a safety and security plan… and drills and how they are conducted will be part of that plan.
“We have standing meetings to discuss the plan and those meetings started about three months ago. So, we have that on the cards with regard to how drills should be conducted at school.”
Chief Fire Officer Errol Maynard who attended the press conference provided the ministry with advice on what it should include in its new school security policy as a result of Wednesday’s events.
“We now know, in writing your policy, you have children at the school who do not tolerate stress,” he said. “That must be accounted for and prepared for. You know that there are children who easily go into panic attacks, and then you have to make sure that you can cater to that because that is not only informative for the drill but any other stressful situation that might occur at the school.”
Maynard said the fire service is ready and willing to assist the ministry and schools with drills and the proposed plan.
“The Barbados Fire Service is always willing to assist not only in fire drills but our officers are trained to cater to any hazard,” he said while urging the school not to allow Wednesday’s episode to stop it from conducting the simulations.
In her turn to speak to journalists, Gill acknowledged that all the protocols were not followed in carrying out the exercise, but gave an assurance that future drills will be done according to best practices.
“The exercise [on] the day was intended to be a very important part of safety procedures that schools carry out all the time to ensure that we are prepared to deal with various scenarios,” the principal said, recalling a “successful” earthquake drill done in February.
“Of course, we would have learnt some lessons from the fall-out from this [Wednesday’s] exercise, and going forward, we would have our meetings, we would have our reviews, and we will ensure that future drills will be done according to the exact protocols.
“But we will take our time and make sure that our staff and our students are well informed, and also that we work with the related agencies to carry out the exercise in the correct way,” she added.
When Barbados TODAY visited the school earlier in the morning, several parents said they did not believe classes should have resumed so soon after the incident. A few parents also insisted they should have been informed about the simulation before it happened.
Reporting at the press conference on the status of those students who turned up for school on Thursday, Gill said: “We have spoken to our students who arrived on the campus this morning, and we have had in place a well-organised system for students to be supervised by their teachers, and also receive counselling at the same time.”
She reported that the students who were back at classes appeared “very calm and very orderly”.
“We are satisfied that they have shown that they are comfortable on the campus today,” said the principal. “They were moving around as normal…and we are positive that today’s experience would be a good one for them.”
Gill sought to assure the parents, guardians and the public in general that the school’s management has the safety of the students and staff at heart.
She reiterated that none of the children sustained any serious injuries and one student who complained that her foot felt “strange” was taken for medical attention by her father.
Gill said she spoke to the father Wednesday night and he informed her that the child was fine. That student, she disclosed, was at school on Thursday.
Counselling is to be arranged for children who were not at school on Thursday and needed individual attention, the principal said.
Also represented at the news conference were the Barbados Union of Teachers (BUT) and the Barbados Secondary Teachers’ Union (BSTU). Both BSTU president Mary-Anne Redman and BUT general secretary Herbert Gittens fully supported the safety drill but said they looked forward to better outcomes based on the school principal’s assurance that the protocols would be followed in the future.
In a revelation to reporters of further details on the lockdown drill, organised with the support of both the Barbados Police Service and the Barbados Defence Force, Redman revealed the point at which the planned event descended into chaos.
The BSTU president explained that, unfortunately, a few students were in the corridor and saw what was happening on the compound, triggering the panic which created a domino effect.
Redman revealed the details in the findings of Springer’s Health and Safety Committee which organised the drill. The findings were reported to her by the BSTU’s representative on the committee.
She disclosed that the written instructions which were distributed to staff required all students and staff to be in their classrooms lying on the floors behind barricaded doors, and silent.
Redman said the written instructions on what to do during the drill were given to staff before the event.
Archer-Bradshaw expressed regret at Wednesday’s events but pledged her ministry’s backing for all school principals in the execution of their duties while recognising that the best-laid plans could go awry.
Don’t be alarmed if you hear sirens and see emergency vehicles heading to the Grantley Adams International Airport sometime next month.
That’s because it could be a simulation exercise.
It’s aimed at beefing up safety protocols and ensuring the Airport continues to comply with a number of international standards and regulatory requirements.
Working in conjunction with the Department of Emergency Management, the exercise, known as a full-scale exercise, is planned for a date in October that is deliberately not being disclosed.
This is to ensure its integrity and authenticity, and to adequately test the response system of the Airport and other entities.
This was revealed during a press conference where Chief Executive Officer of GAIA Inc. Hadley Bourne stressed that the safety and security of passengers, staff and stakeholders is of paramount importance.
He reiterated the exercise will be a simulation but noted it could have some impact on traffic flows at the time it occurs.
Acknowledging that all of the island’s emergency service providers will be taking part, he has also urged members of the public not to be alarmed when it takes place.
Meanwhile, Captain Robert Harewood of the Department of Emergency Management sought to further explain what might happen during the simulation exercise.
Members of the public are also being advised that should an authentic emergency occur at the same time, the exercise will be promptly halted.
Additionally, any communications about genuine emergencies will be prominently marked with “No Duff” to indicate that it is not a drill.
Officials at the Grantley Adams International Airport have taken a step towards ensuring the state-owned entity is fully prepared in the event of any emergency.
This morning at the Oistins, the scheduled full-scale exercise took place in collaboration with the Department of Emergency Management and also involved members of the Barbados Defence Force.
It is a deliberate attempt by GAIA Inc. to make certain that the island’s lone airport aligns with international regulatory requirements.
Communications Specialist at the Grantley Adams International Airport Sharleen Browne says the drill was a success.
What are your thoughts on the pros and cons of this simulation?
Were the objectives (stated or implied) of the fire drill realised?
Can you identify any *psychosocial hazards from this fire drill?
Would you consider this drill a success or failure? Discuss.
_________________________________
*Psychosocial hazards (including occupational hazards) are factors in the design or management of work that increase the risk of work-related stress and can lead to psychological or physical harm. These include stress, fatigue, bullying, violence, aggression, harassment and burnout, which can be harmful to the health of workers and other stakeholders and compromise their wellbeing.
Perspectives from experts about the questions that matter in Workplace Safety
Published Sep. 15, 2023
How do you adjust your safety approach?
Safety is a priority in any workplace, but it is not a static concept. As situations, tasks, and people change, so do the potential risks and hazards. How do you adjust your safety approach to keep up with these changes and prevent accidents and injuries? Here are some tips to help you adapt your safety strategy to different scenarios.
Assess the situation
Before you start any work, you need to evaluate the situation and identify the possible sources of danger. This could include the physical environment, the equipment, the materials, the procedures, and the people involved. You should also consider the frequency, severity, and likelihood of the risks, and how they could affect you and others. Based on your assessment, you can decide what safety measures are necessary and appropriate for the situation.
Follow the rules
Every workplace has its own set of safety rules and regulations that you should follow. These are designed to protect you and your co-workers from harm and to comply with the legal and ethical standards of your industry. You should familiarize yourself with the rules and policies of your workplace, and follow them consistently and correctly. If you are unsure about any rule or procedure, ask your supervisor or a safety officer for clarification.
Communicate effectively
Communication is key to safety, especially when you work with others or in a dynamic environment. You should communicate clearly and respectfully with your team members, your supervisor, your clients, and anyone else who may be affected by your work. You should also listen actively and attentively to feedback, instructions, warnings, and requests. Communication can help you avoid misunderstandings, conflicts, and errors that could compromise your safety and the quality of your work.
Learn from experience
You can improve your safety approach by learning from your own and others' experience. You should always report and document any incidents, accidents, or near-misses that occur in your workplace, and participate in any investigations or reviews that follow. You should also seek feedback and advice from your colleagues, your supervisor, or a safety expert on how to prevent or handle similar situations in the future. You should also update your knowledge and skills by attending training sessions, workshops, or seminars on safety topics.
Be flexible and proactive
Safety is not a one-size-fits-all solution. You may need to adjust your safety approach depending on the changing circumstances, demands, and expectations of your work. You should be flexible and adaptable to different situations, and willing to try new or different methods or tools that could enhance your safety and efficiency. You should also be proactive and anticipate potential problems or challenges, and prepare for them in advance. You should also seek opportunities to improve your safety performance and culture, and share your ideas and suggestions with others.
Here’s what else to consider
Be your brother's/sister's keeper. Form a "buddy system" where each person assumes responsibility for at least one other person in the workplace. Thereby, establishing a chain-link accountability effect whereby each person on the premises is accounted for at all times.
Source: This article is adapted from (and added to):
