Author: Karen Robinson

In Nova Scotia, every workplace is required to have a Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee (JOHSC) whose primary function is to protect the health and safety of the workers.  Schools are no exception. These committees are answerable directly to the Department of Labour, not the Department of Education or the School Board. Because every…

Effectively Addressing School Indoor Environment Quality Incidents 2009 When teachers or students (or their parents) complain that something about their school building is making them feel unwell the challenges are many. Most noticeable is the gap between current workplace industrial exposure standards and what is needed to protect more vulnerable workers and children. Even the…

(Updated 2008) Some students such as those with allergies, respiratory illnesses and environmental sensitivities, may need special allowances made for them to remain healthy while in school and reach their academic potential. The following are some general suggestions, however individuals’ needs may vary. Check for any source of pollution in or near the school such…

Presentation to the Halifax District PTA INDOOR ENVIRONMENT QUALITY AND SCHOOLS October 19, 1998 Citizens for A Safe Learning Environment (CASLE) is an information-based, non-profit Provincial organization which works hand in hand with parents, government, and school boards to improve the condition of school buildings and the products and practices used within, so that school…

The following article, A Report on Schools, was first written in 1995. It was the first article in a series which attempted to point out the deficiencies in the protective system with regard to school children. It was quite widely published in Nova Scotia and beyond and helped serve as a catalyst for many changes…