HSE Recommendations

Whether or not the governing body is the employer, the HSE recommends that:

• The governing body and headteacher acknowledge in the school health and safety policy that all staff need to be involved in health and safety if risks are to be effectively controlled.
• The functions of staff are clearly set out and what is expected of them.
• The headteacher checks that staff are competent to carry out the tasks allocated to them and arranges training where necessary.
• The governing body and headteacher decide how they can best use the expertise of health and safety advisers, fire protection officers, building and engineering staff and outside contractors. If the governing body is the employer, it must itself appoint someone to provide health and safety assistance under the Management of Health and Safety Regulations.
• The governing body and headteacher must communicate, not only with each other, but with other school stakeholders including staff, parents, and pupils to promote a culture which recognises that controlling health and safety risks is an essential part of everyone’s daily life.

Governing bodies will want to ensure that the school management team has considered specific health and safety issues including:

• Accident reporting and investigation.
• First aid.
• Workplace arrangements including health and safety inspections and housekeeping.
• Safety of work equipment, machinery, and tools.
• Dealing with hazards such as:
  • Fire and other emergencies.
  • Asbestos in the school building.
  • Use of radioactive materials in secondary schools.
  • Contractors in schools.
  • Vehicle movement in the school grounds.
  • Water hygiene and legionella.
• local rules for subject departments, for example:
  • Science laboratories, preparation rooms and stores.
  • Design and technology workshops and preparation areas.
  • Art and design studios and ceramics areas.
  • Music rooms including practice rooms.
  • Drama studios.
  • Physical education: gymnasia, playing fields and swimming pools.
  • Information technology suites.
• School visits and journeys.
• Adventure activities.
• Work experience arrangements.
• Playground safety.
• Maintenance of work equipment.
• Dealing with violence and verbal abuse to staff.
• School security.
• Arrangements for pupils with special needs, for example
  • Manual handling.
  • Medical needs.
  • Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans.
• Letting school premises to outside bodies.
• Consultation with employees, safety representatives and safety committees.