Most days during the first three months of a school year, you can find Annette Hall, safety and workers’ compensation loss control manager with Stafford County Schools, inspecting one of the district’s 34 schools or facilities.
Since the 2011 – 2012 school year, Hall has been leading yearly self-inspections in addition to a host of other proactive measures designed to reduce injuries and create a safer environment for employees and students.
“We’ve always collected and shared yearly reports on accidents and injuries in our schools,” said Hall. “But a few years ago we decided we wanted to be even more proactive on safety. We thought about all of the OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) knowledge we already had that we could apply to schools – so we started the inspection process to utilize that knowledge to make our schools safer.”
Her goal is to inspect all schools and facilities within the first three months of the school year. She starts each inspection by meeting with key staff to review incident reports for the previous year – including student accidents and workers’ compensation injuries.
“For example, if a child was hurt on the playground last year we will want to discuss how we can make it safer – do we need more mulch? Things like that.”
After the meeting, they begin the OSHA walk-through and inspection. Hall looks for things such as storage that may pose a safety issue or electrical concerns; she inspects mechanical and electrical rooms, custodial closets and office space. Hall inspects boards in the gym and checks to make sure that ramps are accessible and are not being blocked by boxes or other items.
An example of the type of hazards Hall inspects for
“When we first started it may have seemed like I was taking time away from the important work staff needed to do for this, but as soon as everyone understood that I wasn’t there to nitpick them but to make sure they were safe, they welcomed the inspections,” said Hall.
Hall also checks inspection dates on fire extinguishers; she checks that dry storage in kitchens is at a proper height that allows sprinkler systems to work; that there are no plug-in air fresheners, coffee makers, heaters, or refrigerators; and that extension cords and surge protectors are being used properly.
“I try to inspect at least three classrooms per grade level,” said Hall. “Sometimes I’ll inspect more if there is a housekeeping issue I need to look out for.”
The inspection process takes about two hours for elementary schools, whereas middle and high schools can take from three to three and a half hours.
“There is a lot more to inspect there – we have to make sure that everything is being stored safely in the wood shop, masonry and automotive sections, that things are being disposed of properly and nothing is there to endanger the students,” said Hall. “When you go into the science wing you have to make sure that chemicals are being kept locked up, that the eyewash station is working properly and that goggles and things like that are in good condition.”
At the close of each inspection, she provides the school with a list of items to address. Sometimes maintenance staff may already be aware of an issue but unaware of the urgency – that’s when Hall helps them to identify the risks and prioritize fixes.
An example of the type of hazards Hall inspects for
Inspections aren’t the only way that Stafford County Schools are working to mitigate risks. The district has a workplace safety committee which consists of ten staff persons including nurses, nutrition staff, fleet staff, a principal, special needs staff, and more. The committee meets quarterly to review injuries and discuss ways to prevent them in the future.
The Accident Review Board reviews any incident county-wide in which a vehicle makes contact with anything. The board reviews each incident to determine if the staff person was at-fault, and if so, assigns training to each staff person. The board consists of deputy law enforcement officials, transportation supervisors, and maintenance and fleet safety staff. If the staff person involved notes that there may have been something wrong with the vehicle, maintenance staff will be informed immediately to perform an inspection.
Risk management isn’t all inspections and accident review. Training is key. Stafford County Schools conducts yearly training on threat assessments and active shooters in the classroom.
They also utilize VML Insurance Programs’ (VMLIP) Where the Rubber Meets the Road (WTRMTR) campaign to train drivers on defensive driving techniques, as well as train every employee with AED’s, CPR and first aid.
“We use a lot of resources from VMLIP,” said Hall. “We utilize videos from the VMLIP Multimedia Library for maintenance staff on playground safety, as well as VMLIP Online University courses to provide training for drivers, especially veteran bus drivers.”
In fact Hall started her career with Stafford County Schools as a bus driver, working her way up to driver safety coordinator and then into her current role. She attended a five-day OSHA training class and has learned a lot about risk management by working with VMLIP Senior Safety Consultant Fonda Craig.
“Annette does not hesitate to share her expertise and resources with other schools divisions,” said Craig. “She is active in the school safety inspections, incident investigations, keeping the various schools informed of their losses and trends. She takes a proactive approach to safety.”
Robin Duvall, VMLIP director of workers’ compensation claims, concurs.
“From my experience, Annette and everyone in the Safety and Risk Management Department do an excellent job managing their claims and immediately address any safety issues or concerns,” said Duvall. “They are always responsive to VMLIP staff, and because of the coordination of information they provide, we are better able to handle claims promptly and efficiently.”
“I enjoy my job – knowing that we’re trying to make a difference and keep everyone safe is rewarding and fulfilling,” said Hall. “And the help we receive from VMLIP staff is invaluable in helping us accomplish our goals.”