7 Summer Safety Tips for Custodial and Maintenance Staff in Schools

As the summer season approaches, it is crucial for districts to prioritize the safety of custodial and maintenance staff in schools. These dedicated individuals play a vital role in maintaining a clean and functional learning environment.

Today, we will explore seven essential safety tips to ensure the safety and wellbeing of custodial and maintenance staff during the summer months. By focusing on training, ergonomic practices, chemical safety, hazard reporting systems, heat safety, lawn mower best practices, and providing ongoing support and resources, schools can create a safer working environment for their staff.

1.      Training: Building a Foundation for Safety Excellence

Comprehensive and ongoing training is one of the best preventive measures for summer hazards in school maintenance work. These training programs should cover topics like safety protocols, equipment operation, emergency procedures, and hazard identification. You’ll want to be sure your training program complies with board, state, and federal guidelines. By investing in regular training sessions and certifications, schools empower their staff to handle tasks safely and confidently.

Implementing engaging training methods has been shown to improve employee knowledge, and reduce accidents, injuries, and illness. The training should include ways to minimize the risk of injuries and exposure to hazardous substances. Wherever possible, it’s important to customize the training to the specific equipment, tasks, and hazardous conditions your staff regularly comes across.

 

2.      Ergonomic Practices: Prioritizing Staff Well-being

Custodial and maintenance work often involves repetitive movements and physical exertion, which can lead to musculoskeletal disorders. The National Safety Council shares,

“the private sector experienced 247,620 musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) injuries or illnesses involving days away from work in 2020.”

Implementing ergonomic practices is one of our summer safety tips for custodial and maintenance staff in schools because it’s crucial to prioritize staff well-being. Schools should provide adjustable equipment, such as workstations and tools, to accommodate different body sizes and promote proper posture.

Additionally, encourage staff to use ergonomic techniques, such as proper lifting and bending, to reduce strain and minimize the risk of injuries. Encouraging staff to stretch before engaging in physical tasks along with taking breaks to alleviate muscle fatigue are effective ways to prevent workplace injuries.

 

3.      Chemical Safety: Handling Hazardous Substances with Care

Custodial and maintenance staff often work with various cleaning agents and chemicals which could lead to chemical spills or injury. It is crucial to provide proper training on safe handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous substances. Schools should ensure that staff members have access to safety data sheets (SDS) and understand the potential hazards associated with each chemical they use. Implement labeling systems to clearly identify containers and educate staff on the proper use of PPE when handling chemicals. Regular inspections of storage areas should be conducted to ensure compliance with safety regulations.

 

4.      Hazard Reporting System: Encouraging a Culture of Safety

Establishing a robust hazard reporting system is vital for proactive risk management and maintaining a safe work environment for custodial staff during the summer season. Encourage all staff to report any potential hazards or safety concerns promptly. Implement a streamlined reporting process that includes clear channels of communication and anonymous reporting options.

It is essential to acknowledge staff contributions to safety and address reported issues in a timely manner. This helps prevent under-reporting, one of the biggest challenges to implementing an effective hazard reporting program. By fostering a culture of safety and open communication, schools empower their staff to actively participate in creating a safer work environment.

 

5.      Heat Safety: Protecting Against High Temperatures

Summer brings the risk of heat-related illnesses. “Most outdoor fatalities, 50% to 70%, occur in the first few days of working in warm or hot environments because the body needs to build a tolerance to the heat gradually over time,” shares OSHA. Schools should implement heat safety measures to protect custodial or maintenance working outdoors or in non-airconditioned areas.

Provide shaded rest areas where staff members can take breaks and cool down. Ensure access to cool drinking water and encourage regular hydration. Schedule tasks during cooler parts of the day when possible. Educate staff on recognizing the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke and emphasize the importance of taking breaks and seeking medical attention if necessary.

 

6.      Lawn Mower Best Practices: Ensuring Safe Operations

For custodial and maintenance staff involved in groundskeeping, proper lawn mower safety is crucial. It’s estimated that 75,000 people are injured or killed in lawn mower accidents, and the majority of the accidents are caused by human error.

“Actually, lawnmowers have a higher chance of causing deaths compared to that of alligator and bear attacks,” shares Newsweek.

Provide training on safe mower operation, maintenance procedures, and the use of PPE like safety goggles and hearing protection. Regular maintenance and inspection of mowers should be conducted to ensure their safe and efficient operation. Staff should be trained to identify potential hazards on the grounds, such as hidden obstacles or uneven terrain, and take appropriate precautions to prevent accidents.

 

7.      Ongoing Support and Resources: Nurturing a Safety Culture

Maintaining a safe work environment for custodial staff during the summer season requires building a culture of safety. Schools should provide ongoing support, resources, and training opportunities for staff to enhance their safety knowledge and skills.

Regular safety meetings can serve as platforms for discussing concerns, sharing best practices, and providing updates on safety protocols. Invest in relevant safety resources, such as online training platforms, safety manuals, and reference materials, to empower staff members to stay informed and up-to-date with safety practices.

 

By prioritizing the safety of custodial and maintenance staff through training, ergonomic practices, chemical safety, hazard reporting systems, heat safety measures, lawn mower best practices, and ongoing support, districts can create a culture of safety within their schools. These proactive measures not only protect staff members but also contribute to improved productivity, reduced absenteeism, and overall operational excellence. By implementing the recommended safety tips and providing the necessary resources, schools can ensure a safer and healthier working environment for their custodial and maintenance staff.