Health, Safety, and Environment Assessment in Schools Using a New Tool (HSE-S) Based on an Audit System

This study assessed the status of health, safety and environment (HSE) in all public schools (n=188) in Iran using a new tool (HSE-S) based on audit system. The first part of HSE-S tool was about general specifications and environment conditions. The second consists of the physical conditions and school management. The HSE-S was validated using CVI and CVR, Cronbach s alpha and Kappa coefficient. The CVI, CVR, Cronbach s alpha coefficient and Kappa index were 0.75,> 0.7, 0.99 and 0.736 respectively. Ten schools were ranked as one-star, 149 as two-star and 29 as three-star. The top priorities for achieving an acceptable HSE status in schools were establishing a HSE unit, improving ergonomics and having a risk management system in each school. The HSE-S is an effective tool to evaluate and promote health, safety and environment in schools. Its application can help in implementing the health promoting school program of WHO.

Keywords:

Health , Safety , Environment , Audit System , School