12 | SCHOOL PLANT MANAGER MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2026 S ummer is almost here and many of us are putting together a list of projects to be completed. We have numerous cleaning, maintenance, landscaping and construction activities planned for our buildings and campus. Seasonal Help Many Districts will hire seasonal help to help complete many of these activities. So how do we keep our seasonal help from being injured and becoming a work comp nightmare? Here are a few suggestions: 1. Hire only qualified seasonal help. 2. Make sure your supervisors pay special attention to the work activities and habits of seasonal help. 3. Provide seasonal help with proper instruction, training and personal protective equipment. Don’t assume that everyone knows the proper methods to perform the job safely. Provide instruction on safe work Seasonal Work Guidelines Alan Schmitt, ARM-P, Vice President Risk Management, MUSIC guidelines including such basic items as ladder safety, electrical safety, safe chemical handling, etc. (See safety orientation checklist at right) 4. Provide all seasonal help with a list of safety guidelines/rules. 5. Pay special attention to unusual jobs. Especially jobs working from heights, jobs working with chemicals, working in confined areas and jobs which require working in excessive heat. 6. If you hire contractors make sure you get the necessary certificates of insurance. 7. Consider the age of the person before assigning jobs. 8. Follow the child labor laws and restrictions on hours worked and equipment usage. As you might imagine, there are some special precautions we must consider when utilizing seasonal help. By following these basic guidelines and communicating with all involved our summer does not have to be a work comp nightmare. Top Ten Orientation Tips 1. Follow established rules, procedures, and safety signs. Make it clear that failure to do so is inviting an accident. Emphasize your commitment to safety and point out that, if necessary, rules will be enforced through progressive discipline. 2. Report accidents promptly. Make sure workers know what steps to take to report accidents, including notifying their supervisor. 3. Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE). Go over the PPE that is required, as well as the hazards this equipment will protect against. Communicate that the employee is expected to wear it right. Wear it every time. No excuses. 800.781.0112 800.781.0112 SALES@ATLASSAFEROOMS.COM SALES@ATLASSAFEROOMS.COM ATLASSAFEROOMS.COM ATLASSAFEROOMS.COM A+ RATED STUDENTS & STAFF WHERE DO YOU GO? IS YOUR SCHOOL PREPARED FOR SEVERE WEATHER? DIRECT HIT FROM AN EF-4 TORNADO NEOSHO PUBLIC SCHOOLS
View this content as a flipbook by clicking here.