As the United States considers reopening schools after the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, policymakers and administrators need to consider how to reopen in a way that keeps students and staff safe. This brief provides insight into health and safety guidelines and social distancing strategies used in other countries that have successfully…

The terms secondary traumatic stress (STS), vicarious traumatization (VT), and compassion fatigue (CF) have all been used, sometimes interchangeably, to refer to the observation that those who provide clinical services to trauma survivors may themselves experience considerable emotional disruption, becoming indirect victims of the trauma.…

Those responsible for planning and management of colleges and universities must plan comprehensively for hazardous waste disposal. Federal and state regulations are increasing, landfill area is becoming scarce, and incineration costs are rising fast. High-level institutional commitment to a sound campus environment policy is essential. (MSE)

The college or university human resources department's responsibilities in assuring a healthy and safe environment are enumerated. First, issues to be considered in school safety are outlined, and then the role of the health and safety officer is discussed. A sample job description and list of duties are included. (MSE)

Explains schools' responsibilities in complying with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) Bloodborne Pathogens Standard. Describes exposure determination plan, protective equipment, housekeeping practices, labeling of waste, training employees, hepatitis B vaccinations, postexposure evaluation and medical follow-up, and…

This annotated bibliography cites 913 materials (publications, journal articles, papers, presentations, books, studies, and other documents) concerning potential hazards to the physical health and safety of teachers and students in the school environment. These materials are of particular interest to members of school health and safety committees.…

The purpose of this guide is to inform parents, advocates, and school personnel about existing laws and resources available to ensure that every child and every school employee has an environmentally safe and healthy school that is clean and in good repair. An environmentally safe and healthy school is one of the principles adopted by the New York…

All known health concerns related to use of video display terminals (VDTs) can be resolved by better ergonomics, reducing monotonous tasks, and giving VDT operators a better sense of controlling their work. These workplace improvements should be pursued regardless of VDT use. (MSE)

The effectiveness of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 is examined, and it is suggested that employee participation could help improve occupational safety and health in the future, through safety committees, safety circles, safety teams, and individual participation. (MSE)

This is a handbook of advice for handling the everyday problems encountered in all types and sizes of libraries. It is designed to assist managers before, during, and after crises develop. Organized in an question-and-answer format, it tackles many dilemmas that can occur in the library, then offers solutions drawn from actual experience. The…

A survey of 100 medical schools concerning training and preventive measures used to protect student health and safety found 60 percent felt students were adequately prepared to work safely; 11 percent did not. Over one-third planned to revise health and safety training. School adoption of policies, procedures, and uniform curriculum is…

This courseware evaluation rates the "Safety Measures with Communicable Diseases" program developed by Lane Community College in Eugene, Oregon. (This program--not contained in this document--is designed to teach means of preventing the spread of communicable respiratory diseases and ways of protecting oneself.) Part A describes the program in…

This booklet explains the actions that college or university administrators should take if their institution is subject to an inspection by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for possible health or safety violations. After providing a fictional case study and an explanation of the OSHA inspection process, the booklet reviews…

This report discusses a federally mandated standard concerning establishment of a program to reduce exposure to blood and other potentially infectious materials (OPIM) in Iowa schools and education agencies. The standard includes the following components: introduction, scope and application, definitions, exposure control, methods of compliance,…

Escalation of worker's compensation claims led Saint Cloud State University (Minnesota) to implement an injury prevention program including warm-up exercises, worksite inspection, examination of work practices, employee training in safe body mechanics, and flexibility tests. The program is found to be effective in reducing injury and improving…