As the summer season draws to a close with people back from holidays, communities begin to prepare for the wonderful season of change: autumn. This time of year we also generally see the school doors open and many kids will be excited to hear school bells ringing again.
Alberta’s Open for Summer reopening (Stage 3) has seen the lifting of heath restriction. The 2021 – 2022 School Year Plan, although subject to change, is focused on a normal return to school with in-class learning for the majority of students this fall.
With school buses and public transit on regular routes, and more people walking, cycling, or driving to school, traffic gets a little heavier on the roads. School zone speed limits will also again be in effect.
School bus travel is considered very safe. Although rare, injuries and fatalities occur more often outside the school bus as students are boarding and exiting the bus. It is important that children know to stay safe by:
- Standing in a group when they wait for the bus
- Getting on and off the bus one at a time
- Using the handrail to get on and off the bus
With students back in school, it may be prudent to assess some of the physical hazards within the school premises. From a risk management perspective, consider using a school risk register.
A school risk register can be used to identify hazards in the school environment and associated risks. Using this simple register to assess existing control measures in schools and determine solutions to ultimately protect the students and faculty. The register contains the following:
- Any hazards present within school premises
- Any potentially affected people who may be harmed, such as students, teachers, administrators, and other staff
- An evaluation about how people might be harmed
- A risk rating of the estimated probability the object or occurrence will cause harm
- An assessment of whether the existing controls are enough or if further action is needed
The following is an example of a school risk register:
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact your member service representative or risk advisor.
Helene Klassen
Risk Advisor
<780.955.4078
helene@RMAinsurance.com
Lacey Barnhard
Risk Advisor
587.671.0108
lacey@RMAinsurance.com
Dayna Johnson
Client Relations Manager
780.937.9435
dayna@RMAinsurance.com
Debora Depeel
Member Service Representative
780.955.4086
debora@RMAinsurance.com
Kerry Dutton
Member Service Representative
780.955.4088
kerry@RMAinsurance.com
Brandy Broz
Member Service Representative
780.955.3615
brandy@RMAinsurance.com