October 2023 Volume 3 | Issue 2:
Workplace Violence Prevention
Programs required in Public Schools
LEGISLATIVE VICTORY!
A bill has been signed into law that requires public schools and BOCES to develop and implement workplace violence prevention programs.
This law goes into effect on January 4, 2024.
What was the law before?
State law requires public employers to develop workplace violence prevention programs. When this law was enacted, public schools and BOCES were excluded, as schools were already required to develop school safety plans.
What is the law now?
All public employers, including public schools and BOCES, will be required to develop workplace violence prevention programs to protect employees from potentially violent encounters.
Who does this effect?
The staff and teachers at all public schools and BOCES across New York State.
Why does this matter?
Implementing workplace violence prevention plans, in addition to existing school safety plans, will better prepare schools to prevent and address workplace safety while also ensuring that public school and BOCES employees feel secure and supported in their workplace.
Resources Available
On the Safety Resources page, CSEA has an entire section devoted to workplace violence prevention. Our union has created a fact sheet on Workplace Violence Prevention. Download it here.
NATIONAL SCHOOL BUS SAFETY WEEK (10/16 – 10/20)
Held during the third full week of October each year, National School Bus Safety Week is an active and evolving public education program and an excellent way for parents, students, teachers, motorists, school bus operators, school administrators, and other interested parties – to join forces and address the importance of school bus safety. Designed to promote school bus safety, school districts throughout the country observe School Bus Safety Week. The NY Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee, along with state and local safety partners, participate in National School Bus Safety Week. Please use caution around school busses. Our previous Safety Net identified that CSEA members are reporting an alarming amount of drivers who speed past their stopped bus with flashing red lights and regulatory stop sign. If those lights are flashing and that stop sign is out, a student is near the roadway!
OCTOBER OBSERVES FIRE PREVENTION WEEK (10/8 – 10/14)
Since 1922, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has sponsored the public observance of Fire Prevention Week. In 1925, President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed Fire Prevention Week a national observance, making it the longest-running public health observance in our country. During Fire Prevention Week, children and adults learn how to stay safe in case of a fire. Firefighters provide lifesaving public education in an effort to drastically decrease casualties caused by fires.
Fire Prevention Week is observed each year during the week of October 9 in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire, which began on Oct. 8, 1871, and caused devastating damage. This horrific conflagration killed about 300 people, left more than 100,000 people homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures and burned more than 2,000 acres of land.
This year’s Fire Prevention Week focuses on cooking safety. More information on the 2023 campaign and tools and tips can be found at https://www.nfpa.org/fpw.
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MEMBER RESOURCES: OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY & HEALTH
Materials & Publications
View/download – A-Z list of fact sheets: cseany.org/safety-resources
Request Free Prints: Publications Order Form
Workshop Trainings & Webinars
View/Watch – webinar trainings: cseany.org/osh-webinars
CSEA Occupational Safety & Health (OSH) Specialists
Have a general safety concern?
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WORKERS’ COMPENSATION
Hurt at Work?
CSEA endorses the law firm of Fine, Olin and Anderman
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Or call at 855-637-1207
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The Safety Net is published by the Occupational Safety and Health Department of CSEA, AFSCME, Local 1000, AFL-CIO. |