Improving Safety in our schools: A priority for administrators
Implementing Becklar Workforce Safety provides school administrators with the assurance that they are doing everything possible to protect their educators and school community.
Safety Is Paramount
We all agree that our educators are invaluable and that protecting them, and our students, should be of critical importance. Unfortunately change is happening too slowly. OSHA completed an investigation in Salem, Oregon where schools have suffered multiple incidents resulting in faculty injuries. According to the OSHA , over half of the faculty in these schools have had students attempt to harm them. It is incidents like these that have become catalysts for Oregon’s push towards enhanced safety protocols for school staff, emphasizing the critical role administrators play in protecting their educators and students. Oregon has implemented a program to help administrators secure government grants to pay for safety systems to improve the wellbeing of faculty, staff and students.
The Importance of Protecting Educators
School educators are the backbone of our educational system and play a vital role in shaping the lives of our children. They are dedicated to nurturing and educating future generations. In recent years however, they often find themselves on the frontline of various safety threats, from violent intruders to natural disasters. Protecting these invaluable members of our community is not just a moral imperative but a practical necessity.
Statistics reveal the alarming frequency of incidents impacting school safety. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, during the 2017-2018 school year, 962,300 incidents of violence, theft, or other crimes were reported in public schools across the United States. Moreover, a survey conducted by the American Psychological Association found that nearly one-third of teachers reported being threatened with violence by students. These figures underscore the pressing need for robust safety measures in educational environments.
Oregon's Proactive Approach: Grants to Improve Safety
Recognizing the need for enhanced security, the state of Oregon has taken a commendable step by providing school administrators with access to grant money specifically allocated for the protection of faculty and staff. This initiative is a clear signal that the state values its educators and is committed to ensuring their safety.
These grants can be used to implement comprehensive solutions, such as advanced security systems, training programs, and emergency response technologies. Money talks, and by investing in these measures, Oregon is setting a precedent for other states to follow, showcasing their commitment to the well-being of school educators and their students.
Becklar Workforce Safety: A Comprehensive Solution
One standout solution that school administrators should consider is Becklar Workforce Safety. This platform offers a complete suite of safety tools designed to protect educators and their students, as well as provide peace of mind for administrators. Two key components of the solution that make Becklar Workforce Safety an ideal choice to protect educators are the Series X and the WorkerSafety Pro app. Both provide a panic button that discreetly notifies administrators immediately that an educator needs help.
- WorkerSafety Pro App: This app available on iPhone and Android enhances safety for faculty and staff. A discreet Bluetooth button pairs seamlessly with the app, and when pressed, notifies responders designated by an administrator with the name and exact location of the person who needs help. This app also improves communication and coordination among school staff during emergencies. It includes real-time check-in capabilities, and automated alerts for various safety scenarios.
- Series X Panic Button: This discreet, wearable device allows educators to send an immediate alert in case of an emergency. No mobile device or app required. With the press of a button, alerts are sent to the designated contacts of the exact location and nature of the threat, enabling a swift and coordinated response. This feature is particularly crucial during incidents where every second counts.
These solutions are both designed to integrate with existing school safety protocols to increase the safety of all faculty, staff and students.
Peace of Mind for Administrators
Implementing Becklar Workforce Safety provides school administrators with the assurance that they are doing everything possible to protect their school community. The comprehensive nature of the platform means that all aspects of safety are covered, from immediate incident response to ongoing communication and coordination.
Administrators can rest easy knowing that their educators have access to cutting-edge safety tools, backed by a robust support system. This not only enhances the overall security of the school environment but also fosters a culture of care and respect for the educators who play such a vital role in students’ lives.
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Let’s Improve Safety in Our Schools
Protecting school communities is a critical responsibility that falls on the shoulders of school administrators. By leveraging innovative safety solutions like Becklar Workforce Safety and utilizing available grants, administrators can ensure that their staff and students are well-protected. Oregon’s proactive approach serves as a model for other S, highlighting the importance of investing in the safety and well-being of our educators. By prioritizing their protection, we create a safer, more supportive educational environment for everyone.
More Resources:
- Oregon OSHA finds serious safety hazards at Salem-Keizer Public Schools
- National Center for Education Statistics
- American Psychological Association