Health and Safety

Ofsted Risk Assessments
The thing with Health & Safety in schools is that it can often be far easier to get something done than issues that don’t relate to H&S. H&S issues are usually grounded in law and so schools must address them. Schools also must formally risk assess any hazards that are involved in working there, including stress and psychological hazards as well. Every single hazard that is identified must, by law, be ‘controlled’ – ideally by removing it altogether, where possible, or mitigating it so that it is less likely or less severe, preferably both.

However, schools generally don’t risk assess upcoming Ofsted Inspections because, previously, it’s not really been something that is done. Following the Ruth Miskin tragedy, we now have a clear and unequivocal basis for the pressure that looming Ofsted inspections and the extra workload that they bring have on school staff.

The NEU have created an Ofsted Risk Assessment, which is structured and set out so reps and members can easily understand and contribute to it.  Along with it, there is a completed Model Risk Assessment, which contains many aspects of Ofsted related hazards that will most likely also apply in your school. It can be added to and edited, of course. The idea is to give reps and members a clear, legal basis to take to the head and make the case that things need to be adjusted or relieved in order to make the school safe.

More information and guidance is available here.  Additionally, contact me for advice and support with getting an Ofsted Risk Assessment put in place.

Health and Safety Inspections
To most teachers overloaded with work, the thought of undertaking a termly health and safety inspection is daunting.

Nevertheless, health and safety inspections, when carried out by a trained H&S school rep, contribute to making the workplace better, safer and healthier. They also provide the inspector with new skills and broaden their experience. Health and safety reps have legal rights to undertake inspections during working hours, when required.

With a little pre-planning, a health and safety inspection need not be arduous. A good starting point is the NEU Safety Rep Inspection page which provides a tick list of things to look for.

In larger establishments, look into coordinating inspections with another union member who is prepared to share the role.

If possible, look at previous health and safety reports to establish key areas to focus on.

If you want any further help or advice, feel free to contact me. I’m additionally able to support or undertake health and safety inspections if needed. josh.murphy@neu.org.uk

Reduce Stress in Your School
What is stress and why is it a problem?
Sir Michael Wilshaw, a former head of Ofsted, once said teachers don’t know the true meaning of stress. However statistics from the HSE tell a different story with teaching recently being recorded as the most highly stressed profession.

Stress is the panic we feel when events seem to totally overwhelm us. It is a link with our cave-dwelling ancestors, and triggers our fight or flight response.

It is problematic because excessive stress can lower our immune system and make us vulnerable to physical illness. In severe cases, high levels of stress can lead to a nervous breakdown. The high profile case of Peter Harvey in 2010 shows us the tragedy of excessive stress. Continually goaded by teenagers, Peter suffered a breakdown and lashed out at a pupil with a pair of dumbbells.

Causes of stress in the classroom.
There are too many causes of stress to list them all. Nevertheless in studies undertaken by the NEU/ NASUWT the most common causes of stress were:

• Ofsted inspections
• Appraisal (unrealistic targets)
• Change in pay and conditions
• Pupil behaviour
• Unsuitable work environment
• Class sizes

What can you do to tackle stress?
Having a strategy to deal with stress is key to dealing with it. The previous H&S advisor for Cheshire West and Chester, Matthew Fazey, came up with five key points which should be considered when dealing with a stress-related Health and Safety concern:

What is your schools well-being policy? Do you have one? Is it being adhered to?

Have you learnt to say NO?  If it’s not a requirement of your terms and conditions of employment you don’t have to do it.

You don’t need to push yourself so hard. Time out of the classroom is sometimes the best way to safeguard your own and your pupils’ well-being.

Do you know who you can go to for support? Alongside seeking support from the union, sometimes it will help to speak to someone who is there to listen.  The Education Support Partnership is a charity of professional counselors, who deal specifically with people who work in Education and the difficulties they face both with other staff members and the children they teach.  Call them on 0800 0562561.

Josh Murphy, Health and Safety Officer, Cheshire West and Chester NEU