Deadly workplace accident spotlights better school safety push – BUT

The Barbados Union of Teachers (BUT) is calling for a paradigm shift in how health and safety is perceived and managed within the island’s schools.

The call came from BUT President Rudy Lovell in light of Monday’s incident at a building site where two men fell from scaffolding, one of them to his death, at Apes Hill, St James.

Lovell said that despite long-standing issues concerning workplace safety still lingering throughout the school system, educators still find themselves navigating hazardous environments with inadequate resources and support.

He said: “It seems, at times, that the health and safety of teachers is not given the same priority as in other sectors.

While some industries and corporations spare no expense in ensuring the well-being of their employees, our educators are left to grapple with compromised working conditions that should be addressed urgently.

“The physical infrastructure of our schools presents a myriad of hazards – from mould and smoke, from incinerators to unknown toxic odours, sewage gas, rodent and termite infestations, aged buildings, structural hazards, and even violence. The BUT urgently calls upon relevant authorities to prioritise the renovation and maintenance of educational facilities to meet the highest health and safety standards.”

The BUT head further stated that the mental toll due to the seemingly never ending structural issues within the system, still do not seem to get enough focus from the relevant authorities.

“The mental and emotional well-being of our teachers must be safeguarded. The pressures of the job, exacerbated by inadequate resources and increasing administrative burdens, are taking a toll on teachers’ mental health. The BUT advocates for comprehensive mental health support systems, including ongoing counselling services and stress management programmes tailored specifically for educators.

“Furthermore, the union underscores the importance of implementing rigorous health and safety training programmes for teachers. Empowering educators with the knowledge and skills to identify and mitigate risks in the classroom is paramount in creating a safer working environment for all,” Lovell added.