Employee Safety
The School District of Philadelphia is committed to improving the safety and health of our employees.
The Office of Risk Management’s goal is to raise the safety awareness of its employees by providing the knowledge necessary to safely carry out their job duties in efforts to reduce or eliminate on-the-job hazards and injuries.
Working safely is a responsibility shared by all employees. Managers and supervisors are to maintain the safest possible working conditions by encouraging and enforcing District safety policies and procedures. All of the necessary District resources will be available to help accomplish this important endeavor. All School District of Philadelphia employees are expected to actively participate and implement safe practices, identify and eliminate unsafe practices and conditions, and take seriously the matters of accident prevention, injury reduction and safety in the workplace.
705A. HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY STATEMENT
The Board of Education policy requires the School District of Philadelphia to establish a safe and healthy environment for its employees, students and visitors. To this end, the School District will develop internal safety and health policies and procedures, and require compliance with all relevant government regulations.
Maintenance of a safe and healthy work environment is consistent with the Board’s objective of providing for a quality education within budgetary limits, as well as a legal obligation.
The School District will maintain a Health and Safety program which will depend on the sincere, consistent and cooperative efforts of all employees. All School District of Philadelphia employees are expected to implement safe practices, identify and eliminate unsafe practices and conditions, and take seriously the matters of accident prevention, injury reduction and safety in the workplace.
Accident and Illness Prevention Program (AIPP)
The Accident and Illness Prevention Program (AIPP) has a list of required program elements (Mandatory Elements A through O) and additional protocols if the agency has exposure to specific hazards. Each agency participating in the workers’ compensation program must develop a program specific to their needs that complies with the regulations and Commonwealth safety standards.
The Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) of the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry regulates the requirements of an adequate Accident and Illness Prevention Program. To meet the regulations for workers’ compensation self-insurance status, the Commonwealth must satisfy these requirements.
Pennsylvania Workers Compensation Act, Subchapter C, for Self-Insured Employers
Click here for information regarding the PA Department of Labor & Industry’s Accident and Illness Prevention Program requirements.
Facility Safety Assessments: A full comprehensive assessment in conjunction with facility managers to identify existing hazards, prevent potential hazards, prioritize severity of observations and recommend solutions for improvement.
Training: Individual Safety courses are available for training staff to raise awareness and provide knowledge of subject matter. Every topic covered in the Accident and Illness Prevention Program is available for both orientation or refresher training.
Incident Investigations: Follow up on incidents to identify the root cause and implement corrective actions to prevent reoccurrences.
Safety Program Review and Assistance: A full audit of safety program for compliance and potential deficiency.
Improvement Opportunity Analysis Report: A report that identifies the top 20 locations throughout the School District that we feel present the greatest opportunity to have an improvement regarding their overall safety culture.
Recognition Program: Locations that have shown improvement and willingness to protect students and staff members, by either reducing claims or providing training and utilizing the resources of the AIPP program.
Please contact Tanzil Cole, the Program Manager of Safety, regarding specific training, facility assessments, incident investigations or any occupational safety related questions you may have.
Tanzil Cole
Program Manager, Safety
215-400-6719
tcole@philasd.org