Custodians —
Building a Quality Workforce

Protecting Your Occupational Health and Safety

Individual Employee Protection

It is important for school custodians (and administrators and supervisors) to understand that health and safety are two distinct issues. Each has elements that are specific to the custodian individually and for the public school environment as a whole.

Does the school district provide all the information and protection you need? Are you expected to complete tasks without proper training and protection when health issues are involved? If the custodian isn't aware or doesn't notice, who will? Protecting your own health and safety protects others as well.

Individual Health Issues

• Hepatitis B (BBP) & C
• AIDS/HIV
• Gloves & Protective Clothing
• Needle & Waste Removal Procedure

The public school custodian can reasonably anticipate coming into contact with blood and other body fluids during his or her work shift. Many everyday work sites for the custodian — in and around the classroom, on the grounds, around school buses, or in the boiler room — are potential hazards.

School custodians must fully understand the dangers of exposure to infections. Information that is available, current, and plentiful is key to protection. Once aware, the custodian must then assess the risks, know his or her responsibilities, and be absolutely certain of his or her rights. Ultimately, the administration must fulfill its responsibilities to provide information, safety equipment and protection for all its employees.

Note: For more details on legal and management issues, exposure control plans, contract language, and training programs, call the Business and Labor Resource Service at 800-458-5231 to order the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Labor Leader's Kit.

• American Lung Association, www.lungusa.org, 800-586-4872 (24 hr. information)
• Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, www.aafa.org, 800-7asthma (24 hr. information)
• American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Online, www.aaaai.org

Individual Safety Issues

Every public school custodian must know his or her duties, risks, responsibilities and rights in order to be safe as well as effective at work. Safety requires information, awareness, and equipment. Often at least one of these components is missing, and in some cases all three.

The "Lone Worker" Syndrome

The "Lone Worker," the night shift custodian, is often the only person in the school building. The risks faced by this "Lone Worker" are very serious. In schools that have no evening activities, phones are often shut down or locked, and the custodian is alone and isolated. An accident, injury, or personal medical emergency may not be discovered until morning. What may appear to be a simple task, such as moving equipment or materials, can be a formula for disaster for the "Lone Worker."

Sometimes, if the custodian cannot perform properly, it appears that he or she "didn't do the job." The appropriate tools, equipment, and training are always essential. Without communication, a radio or cell phone, 911 is not even an option. If a "Lone Worker" situation is deemed necessary by administrators, they must be responsible for providing a method of instant communication for emergency services.

Complete Facility Operation Awareness

The public school custodian must be aware and constantly anticipate potential problems. He or she often prevents accidents by recognizing the warning signs. Being involved and aware is not by chance. It is an acquired skill based on commitment, inclusion, and the opportunity for professional development.

The public school's responsibility is clear: make time and provide training opportunities and safety programs, such as review of safety regulations and training on safe equipment operation.

To Section 6: Campus, Building, and Student Security