Introduction
The objective of the International Safe Schools Program, under the framework of the World Health Organization (WHO) Safe Community initiative, is to apply the best practices of proven injury prevention programs to protect the safety and health of teachers, staff, students and visitors in school environment.
Occupational Safety & Health Council - International Safe Schools Certifying Centre
The Occupational Safety and Health Council (OSHC) is a statutory body promoting safety and health at work, with the objective of safeguarding Hong Kong’s valuable workforce. OSHC has actively advocated the Safe Community concept of WHO since 1999 in Hong Kong and entered an agreement with WHO to be its 6th Affiliate Safe Community Support Centre in 2000.
A “Safe Community” is a place where people can live, work and play safely and healthily. Promotion of Safe and Healthy Schools is a key program implemented by OSHC in connection with safety community development. In 2005, we launched the Hong Kong Safe and Healthy Accreditation Scheme. There are now 20 of kindergartens, primary schools and secondary schools accredited as Safe and Healthy Schools under this Scheme.
With the valuable experience we have gained in promoting safe and healthy schools, OSHC was appointed by WHO being one of her International Safe Schools Certifying Centres in 2009. OSHC is playing more proactive role in promoting the International Safe Schools Program in Hong Kong, Asia as well as internationally.
International Safe Schools Criteria
The school will be certified as a WHO International Safe School if the following 7 criteria are met:
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An infrastructure based on partnership and collaboration, governed by a group of teachers, pupils, technical staff and parents responsible for safety promotion in school; The group should be chaired by a School Board representative, with the head teacher as a co-chair; |
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Safe School policies, determined by the School Board and the Community Council in a Safe Community setting; |
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Long-term, sustainable operational programs covering genders and all school ages, environments, and situations; |
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Programs that target high-risk groups and environments, and ones that promotes safety for members of vulnerable groups; |
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Programs that document the frequency and causes of injuries; |
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Evaluation measures to assess policies, programs, processes and the effects of change; |
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Ongoing participation in Safe Schools networks – at community, national and international levels. |
Invitation of participation in the Program
The Council is inviting all schools (including Kindergartens, Primary Schools, Secondary Schools and Tertiary Institutes) to participate in the International Safe Schools Program. Please complete the reply slip if you are interested to join the Program.
Enquiry
Please free feel to contact Mr. Toran Law (Tel: 852-2115 5622) or Ms. Kathy Kwok (Tel: 852-2116 5675) for details.
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