***Version française au bas de la page*** While inspections should occur year-round, now that the snow is melting it’s an excellent time to perform detailed site inspections to assess any hazards that may have occurred over the winter. Under the Occupiers Liability Act, occupiers of property (school boards) are responsible to ensure that the premises are reasonably safe for all…
Students love to help. It gives them a sense of responsibility and the feeling of being a valued member of the school community. Common types of student helper tasks include stacking chairs, moving desks, AV carts, and emptying recycling bins. While well-intentioned, the risk management concerns related to having student “helpers” assist with moving furniture and equipment or performing maintenance…
***Version française au bas de la page*** During the winter season consistent removal of snow and ice reduces the hazard of slip and fall injuries. However, stockpiling large amounts of plowed snow on the school property may create other hazards and liability exposures. Man-made snow hills entice children to climb, slide and tunnel on the hill and can create what…
***Version française au bas de la page*** It seemed challenging to craft one blog posting that would be relevant for everyone given our current diverse learning environment. So, we decided to post 2 quick blogs in 1! If you’re back to a brick-and-mortar school this week, here are OSBIE’s Risk Management recommendations for one of Ontario’s favourite winter pastimes: Snow…
***Version française au bas de la page*** On January 20, the Ministry of Education published an addendum to the Guide to reopening Ontario’s schools. Included in the addendum are guidelines for the validation of on-site COVID-19 screening for visitors, staff, and secondary school students. The following are some questions that we have received, and OSBIE’s responses from a risk management…
Last week OSBIE hosted our first Virtual Risk Management Seminar which attracted representation from 87% of the membership with 1,146 session registrations. We’re thrilled with this result and want to thank everyone who attended and participated. We’re pleased to announce the winners of the Session Participation Draws: Amanda S. – Thames Valley DSB Sandra L. – Ottawa-Carleton DSB Connie O….
***Version française en bas de la page*** One important resource we direct our members to is the Ontario Physical Activity Standards in Education (OPASSE), managed by Ophea. To increase risk awareness and promote best practices for schools during the COVID-19 pandemic we wanted to share the following supplemental information that Ophea has developed: COVID-19 Considerations for Physical Education This information…
***Version française en bas de la page*** Ontario schools and school boards have been working hard to put COVID-19 policies and procedures in place with guidance from various education and public health agencies. We’re impressed and proud of the quick work and dedication to reopen schools for the 2020/2021 school year. We wanted to take the opportunity to outline some…
***Version française en bas de la page*** As part of the reopening process, school boards are looking at alternatives to traditional indoor classrooms to provide safe learning spaces for students and staff. We hope the following will highlight some risk considerations should an alternate location, equipment and/or furniture be part of the planning process. Use of alternate outdoor location –…
***Version française au bas de la page*** While the province is starting to relax restrictions and permit the reopening of businesses along with some outdoor recreational amenities and summer camp programs, school boards are starting to ask, “How do we manage this exposure?” Outlining the duty of care owed specific to COVID-19 will assist all school board staff to identify…
