District Health and Safety Program
Policy Statement
It is the policy of the Columbia Heights School District to provide a safe and healthy work and learning environment for all employees and students. The District will provide appropriate equipment, safeguards, personal protection, training and administrative support to protect employee safety and health. District employees will be trained to work safely and will be required to comply with all safety rules and standards.
Background
The Minnesota Occupational Safety and Health program (MNOSHA) requires employers with higher than average injury and illness rates to develop a comprehensive written health and safety program. Although these programs are considered optional for most schools, the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) has encouraged school districts to develop and implement accident and injury reduction programs and other health and safety management programs. The purpose of A Workplace Accident and Injury Reduction (AWAIR) Program is to reduce employee injuries and illnesses by identifying, analyzing and controlling hazards. Under these programs, all accidents and near misses are to be investigated and measures are to be taken to correct problems. Employers are expected to develop and enforce mandatory safe work practices, while providing the equipment and safeguards necessary for employees to work safely. Details of the AWAIR Program are to be communicated to employees so they can participate and take an active role in health and safety. Employers with more than 25 employees are expected to form a joint health and safety committee to involve employees in the program.
Summary
The Columbia Heights Public School District has developed A Workplace Accident and Injury Reduction (AWAIR) Program to establish and implement a written program promoting safe and healthful working conditions based on clearly stated goals and objectives. This program includes requirements covered under Minnesota Statutes 182.65, A Workplace Accident and Injury Reduction Act.