Safety Measure Practices Implementation in Gulod Senior High School: Basis for Contigency Plan

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Planning for natural disasters and emergencies is something every educational institution must consider, regardless of its size or location. However, it is not possible to plan for every eventuality that might occur; but, preparation is key to saving lives if a disaster strikes. As such, the Department of Education (Department of Education) takes health, safety, and environmental issues very seriously in relation to its own workplace and those of its learners and its partners. The purpose of this study was to determine the safety measure practices implemented in Gulod Senior High School in relation to school disaster management. The study also assessed the extent of implementation of these measures as to its information to structural composition, materials and equipment, information dissemination, and logistics. Considered also was the perceived level of stakeholders' participation to safety measure practices and implementation in the school.

METHODS

The descriptive method of research was used in this study with the researcher-constructed questionnaire as the main tool. Thirty-nine teaching staff who were randomly selected were involved as participants in the study. Statistical tool used were frequency and weighted mean.

RESULTS

Respondents have divulged that it was very evident that Gulod Senior High School DRRM had implemented conduct of annual student-led risk identification and mapping within and around the school premises to ensure a safe environment that is conducive for teaching and learning as part of their safety measure.

The learning environment of GSHS is free from dangers that may cause harm to learners, as assessed by the respondents. This was evidenced by the highest weighted mean of 3.35 and deemed to be moderately evident. From these findings, it can be deduced that since schools are institutions in which learners spend most of their time, it is but proper to have the necessary safety measures in place.

DISCUSSIONS

The results of the study revealed that there was orientation program and disaster drill implemented in the school quarterly. It was also revealed that there was no visible information as to structural composition, inadequate materials and equipment, but there were sufficient information dissemination and logistics. To a moderate extent, there were stakeholders' participation on safety measure practices implementation in the school.