No compromise on safety of pupils in school
The Star Online, 22 April 2016
DR MUZAFFAR SYAH MALLOW,Faculty of Syariah and Law,Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia
I REFER to the report “Pupil dies after being bitten by snake at school” (The Star, April 20). As soon as children enter the school grounds, their safety and security become the responsibilty of the school management. There should not be any compromise when it comes to safety of the pupils.
All the relevant parties – Education Ministry and department, school management, teachers and the school administrative staff – must work together to ensure the safety of all pupils.
Steps must be taken to improve the existing standard operating procedure (SOP) on safety in school compounds if needed. Also, legal action must be taken against those found to be negligent or careless over the safety of pupils.
Safety awareness programmes should be carried out in schools throughout the country to expose both students and teachers to the related issues and concerns. The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), for example, has been offering to help the Education Ministry to increase awareness of occupational safety and health (OSH) in schools through the “OSH in school programme”. The said programme views the school as a workplace in accordance with the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) 1994.
