Health and Safety Webinars

Webinars:


Trauma Sensitive Schools - Transformational School Climate Change

It is estimated that nearly every school has children who have been exposed to traumatic experiences.

This NYSUT webinar addresses:

  • The prevalence of trauma among school children
  • The impact of trauma on behavior, relationships and learning at school
  • The elements of a trauma sensitive school approach
  • Resources for implementation


Risks of wireless technologies and protecting children and staff in schools

If you missed the Dec. 9 Health and Safety webinar on the risks of wireless technologies and protecting children and staff in schools presented by Patti Wood, Executive Director, Grassroots Environmental Education, visiting scholar, Adelphi University College of Nursing & Public Health.

Guidelines for Use of Wired and Wireless Technology in Classrooms. (pdf) - These guidelines are based on the Precautionary Principle, which dictates that when an activity raises threats of harm to human health, precautionary measures should be taken even if some cause and effect relationships are not fully established scientifically.


Cleaning for Infection Control in Schools

November 6, 2012

Schools and colleges are petri dishes for the spread of communicable diseases like flu, pink eye, MRSA and whooping cough.

This NYSUT webinar is about how to clean during communicable disease outbreaks in schools. The webinar covers issues such as: typical diseases spread in schools; diseases of particular concern and cleaning vs. disinfecting during outbreaks.


PVC Plastic: Unhealthy for Kids and Schools

May 23, 2012

Healthy schools are critical to children's health. PVC is an emerging toxic plastic of concern. Also known as vinyl, PVC is widespread in back-to-school supplies, office supplies and building materials.

This plastic is often filled with phthalates - chemicals harmful to children's health that have been banned in toys, but widespread in schools.

The good news is safer and affordable alternatives are available for schools and parents to use and purchase.

Learn how you can help create healthier and safer schools for all, by joining this webinar sponsored by New York State United Teachers (NYSUT), United Federation of Teachers (UFT), and the Center for Health, Environment & Justice (CHEJ).


PCBs in Light Fixtures

January 24, 2012

Were all or some of the lighting fixtures in your facility built or renovated before 1979?

If yes, they probably contain PCB light ballasts.

NYSUT recently sponsored an EPA-led health and safety webinar on the topic of PCBs in light ballasts. The webinar was customized for custodial and maintenance NYSUT members, health and safety activists and local leaders interested in this issue, which is now gaining public attention.

The webinar addresses PCBs and their health effects; why the EPA is concerned about school light fixtures containing PCBs; how to recognize PCB light fixtures and leaks; how to handle leaking ballasts; storage and disposal of PCB fixtures; and the ongoing experience of New York City schools that are dealing with this issue.

The webinar was produced by NYSUT in partnership with Region 2 of the Environmental Protection Agency and the United Federation of Teachers.