Monthly Archives: March 2013

General Safety Issues

CHOOSING TOYS FOR BABY: FOUR SAFETY PRECAUTIONS YOU NEED TO FOLLOW (GUEST POST)

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Selecting toys for your baby or toddler can be a difficult task. It is common to select a toy on impulse because it looks cute or seems to be age appropriate. However, when you are selecting toys for children this small, there are several things that you should take into consideration to protect your child, ensure their fun, and save you money.

1. Small Parts. As you already know, babies and toddlers have the tendency to stick everything in their mouth. It does not matter what the object is, or how dirty it is, or even if you tell them no, they still stick it in their mouths. Toys with small parts, such as button eyes on stuffed animals, can be very dangerous. If they stick it in their mouths and it comes off the product, there is a risk of choking. Additionally, small parts also fit into nostrils, ears, and have the tendency to be jammed into other household items.

2. Quality of Manufacture. While going to the dollar store can be a big adventure for a small child, it is also filled with dangerous toys. Many of these imported toys are poorly constructed and break easy; leaving sharp edges or small parts that can present a problem. These toys also have a tendency to contain harmful chemicals. Some overseas manufacturers do not adhere to the same health and safety regulations that manufacturers in the U.S. are held to, and these toys may have paint that contain lead or are made from plastic with high levels of PCB’s. Purchasing toys from trusted brands such as products by Babyeinstein, will give you the piece of mind that baby’s toys are manufactured to the highest standards.

3. Age Appropriate. Even though you may think your child is mature for their age or advanced in their development, it is always wise to stick with age appropriate toys. No matter how smart we think our children are, they are still small and inexperienced. Safety guidelines help dictate what is age appropriate based on the ability of a child to get hurt from using the toy, not based on their advancements. Try to always purchase within their age limits to keep your child safe.

4. Entertainment Value. Look for toys that will actually keep your child amused. It does not necessarily have to be a large or complicated item; it can be something as simple as a ball that they can roll across the floor. It is easy to get consumed with toys that are educational, but many children will have the ability to learn from any toy if they are interested enough to play with it. Look for something that you can do together or possibly something that involves your other children. Toys can also be a way to bond and bring everyone in the family closer.

When you are out shopping for toys, give yourself a little extra time to examine the product and make a choice that is most beneficial to your child and yourself. Children need to play, it helps them to develop and grow. Parents need to make sure that when they do play, they will remain safe, which is easy to accomplish when you review a product before you buy.

As a mom of 3, author Georgina Clatworthy knows the importance of choosing toys from reputable manufacturers such as products by Babyeinstein. Kids II is global leader when it comes to trusted brands for baby toys and products. For 40 years they have been inventing innovative, award winning toys under its flagship brands.

General Safety Issues

“HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY!”

This message is short but sweet, but we at Blog4Safety and Texas America Safety Company wish  a safe and Happy St. Patrick’s Day to everyone!  I also hope you are wearing green today, not taking any chances on getting pinched!  Also, there will be many parades and celebrations celebrating our Irish friends; in case you are one of them, please don’t over-do it with alcohol, but call a cab or let a friend drive you home. 

May the “Luck of the Irish” be with all our friends and readers the rest of this year!

 

 

 

 

General Safety Issues

Piper Alpha Anniversary – Memorial Campaign

 The 6th of July 2013 marks 25 years since 167 colleagues lost their lives in the oil industry’s largest ever disaster. Oil and Gas People got behind a campaign that hopes to restore the Piper Alpha memorial gardens in Aberdeen back to gold status in time for the 25th Anniversary.

Thousands of  lives were affected by the Piper Alpha tragedy in the North Sea and the Piper Alpha dens not only serve as a tribute to the men lost but also act as a constant reminder of the dangers associated with working offshore.   The 6th of July 2013 marks 25 years since 167 colleagues lost their lives in the oil industry’s largest ever disaster. Oil and Gas People got behind a campaign that hopes to restore the Piper Alpha memorial gardens in Aberdeen back to gold status in time for the 25th Anniversary.

In many ways the 25th anniversary is also a celebration. Every single person working in the oil and gas industry today is safer as a result of the Cullen enquiry which followed the disaster and made sweeping safety changes, changes that we have no doubt have saved countless lives since. We have included all our site members in this campaign as the Piper Alpha findings didn’t only make the industry safer in the UK but did so globally.  The lessons learned from the disaster should never be forgotten and nor should the men who lost their lives and the family’s still effected to this day.

Piper Alpha disaster memorial gardens £1m campaign launched

The 1988 North Sea oil platform tragedy saw 167 men die, the world’s worst such incident.  A statue and the memorial gardens are a major feature at Aberdeen’s Hazlehead Park. 

 The Piper Alpha Memorial honours the 167 victims of the disaster.  A campaign to raise £1m to help maintain the Piper Alpha disaster memorial gardens in Aberdeen has been launched.

Piper Memorial Trust

The Plan: Pound for Piper is working with Oil and Gas UK and the local council to set up a Trust Fund to ensure the gardens are not just restored but are also maintained for generations to come. Oil and Gas People is calling on the industry to unite and get behind this important campaign. You can make a donation via our Just Giving Page or if you wish to be more involved you can help further by organising collections in your workplace or holding your own sponsored event. We really hope all our site members can pull together on this one and dig deep. 

Safety legacy left by Piper Alpha 

The lessons of the Piper Alpha disaster should mean future generations of offshore workers are safer, industry experts have said.  Industry safety experts and workers new to life offshore say they believe practices are now better. They believe better platform design, new work systems and greater workforce involvement have improved safety. An inquiry led by Lord Cullen opened in Aberdeen in January 1989, ended in February 1990, and published its 500-page report nine months later. This led to North Sea safety being shifted from the Department of Energy to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Among changes was automatic shut-down valves being made mandatory on rigs, to starve a fire of fuel. Offshore fatalities and serious injuries are down, and minor injuries are substantially down.

Turning point

However, incidents such as gas escapes have risen. Oil and Gas UK is the body representing operators and contractors in the North Sea. Oil and Gas UK director of health and safety, Chris Allen, said: “Piper Alpha was a turning point for the UK oil and gas industry, leading to significant changes in the industry’s approach to safety management, regulation and training. “It’s important to remember that the hazards will always exist.”But given the changes the industry has made, the industry is in a different place, which means we can manage the risks much better. Today the offshore industry compares well with many other industries.”Oil and Gas UK is using the 25th anniversary of the disaster to reinforce the safety message offshore. It has produced a DVD that is being sent to all North Sea installations. Jake Molloy, of the OILC/RMT union, said despite safety improvements in the years since there can never be complacency.  He said: “The industry has learned lessons and we continue to learn lessons.”There is no doubt that significant improvements in safety have been made across the industry in the 25 years since Piper.

“‘People key”

Mr Molloy explained: “The regulations that have been introduced coupled with the installation of improved hardware should prevent another disaster on the scale of Piper Alpha. I say ‘should’ because we can never say never.” Regulations must be adhered to and the hardware will only ever be as good as the people charged with looking after it. People are therefore key to ensuring safety standards are maintained and improved upon.”The HSE said some companies are better performers than others. Piper Alpha was the world’s worst offshore disaster, and those involved in the industry are determined to ensure that remains the case.Piper Alpha was the world’s worst offshore disaster, but there have been many more devestating oil platform and accidents through shipping that have caused much harm to people and the environment.

 It’s important to remember that the hazards will always exist. But the industry is in a different place.
Chris Allen
Oil and Gas UK
 
Sources: OilandGas.com
                   BBC online
 
As a resident of the West Texas oilfields for 34 years, where my husband and son worked, anyone who works in the oil and gas industry knows there must be respect for this type of dangerous work. As stated, one cannot become complacent.  There have been numerous blow-outs of wells on land, and those who have never worked in this type of environment should appreciate the hard work it takes to produce the energy we all enjoy.  In the past, there may have been a lack of training and education of safety on rigs.  Workers should be equipped with the correct Work safety supplies and know how to care for it and when to replace it. pb

 

 

General Safety Issues

OFFICE MANAGER TRAINING (GUEST POST)

Sent by Maire Hunter

Your office manager represents the face of your business. Customers and employees alike will see your manager when they walk in, and her behavior and demeanor can reinforce or change their impression of you. Accordingly, every office manager requires onboard training to get up to speed on procedure and company culture. Hiring a top candidate and providing thorough training may mean the difference between a manager who works with employees to exceed client needs and one who simply shows up to open the door and turn on the lights. Make sure to hit these basics when training your next hire.

Software

While you may have stated ideal software qualifications in your job posting, there’s no guarantee your chosen candidate will have the exact skills you want. Offer training in every program your office manager will use daily, such as Outlook, Microsoft Publisher, Access or Salesforce.

Communications

As the face of your business, your office manager must have excellent oral and written communications skills. While you’ve hopefully used the interview and reference check to evaluate your new manager’s communications skills, you can offer additional training should you think it required. Communications training can include dealing with angry customers or employees, conflict resolution strategies, foreign language skills, research skills and grant writing. Of course, these skills may benefit the office as a whole so you may want to open up training opportunities to all employees.

Administrative Services

Chances are, you have a preferred way things are done at your workplace, and your new hire needs to know this as part of onboard training. How are rooms reserved for meetings? How are personal time off requests handled? Where does employee mail go, and who should sign for packages? Have an existing administrative employee train your new hire in workplace procedures or provide a comprehensive employee manual or intranet that explains these procedures. There will be a lot for a new office manager to take in, so it’s important that she have something to refer to if she forgets something.

Workplace Management

Every office manager must make sure the workplace has enough supplies, from letterhead and stationery to cleaning supplies like cleaning wipes and dish soap for the office kitchen. Have an existing administrative employee show your new hire where your keep vendor catalogs, account information, workplace supply inventory and other necessities. It can be easy to overlook these small things until you’re down to fifty pieces of letterhead and facing two weeks’ lead time until the next batch arrives.

Safety Protocol

Your workplace should have emergency plans in place to accommodate power outages, fire drills and other hazards. Since your office manager may need to ensure that the building is safely evacuated and that phone trees are followed in the vent of weather-related emergencies, she will need to become familiar with all workplace safety protocol. This information also belongs in the manual or intranet, for the benefit of all employees.

The right office manager needs a blend of hard and soft skills to make the workplace run successfully day in and day out. The right training leverages these skills for success by providing everything needed for a smooth and successful transition. When the office manager is effective, it’s that much easier for other employees to perform at a higher level.

Thanks, Maire, for this detailed information involving the responsibilities of an office manager.  In the safety protocols section, it is important that the company has regularly scheduled safety meetings, and that all employees follow these rules.  Many accidents happen in an office, so strategically placed safety posters remind them to be safe at all times.  pb

 

General Safety Issues

BEWARE OF SLIP AND FALL ACCIDENTS: TOP REAL ESTATE LIABILITY RISK LIST

Beware of Slip And Fall Accidents: Top Real Estate Liability Risk List

Anyone who goes into business for themselves must realize the liabilities that they could be facing. When it comes to real estate liability, it turns out that slips and falls are the number one liability risk that every business owner with a physical location faces. These types of accidents can lead to serious injuries, and if it’s decided that a business owner is responsible for the injury, they could face huge monetary damages. With slips and falls being the huge danger that they are, it’s important for every business owner to fully understand the risk they’re facing. 

Slip and Fall Liability

Not every slip and fall that occurs at a business is going to be seen as the company’s fault, but many of them will turn out that way. As any slip and fall attorney will tell you, the only way to ensure that business owners take this risk seriously is for them to fully understand the consequences of not doing so. 

1. Potential Costs

Many business owners don’t realize that one slip and fall injury can end up costing them tens of thousands of dollars. No two cases like this are the same, so the settlement can vary significantly. It’s just important to remember that such an accident can cause spinal injuries, broken bones and, in serious falls, traumatic brain damage. These types of injuries will obviously cause significant financial losses for a company. 

2. Adverse Publicity

Even if a company doesn’t face large civil penalties for a slip and fall accident, they’re likely to still lose money due to negative publicity. If the public finds out about such an accident, they may start to view the business as an unsafe place to frequent. In addition, simply fighting against a slip and fall lawsuit can make it appear as if the company is trying to avoid its financial duties, and whether this is true or not, it’s going to be a public relations nightmare. 

Minimizing the Chances of Slip and Fall Injuries

While slip and fall injuries are an ever existing risk when customers are at a business, these risks can be mitigated through proper planning. 

  • Walkways: Walkways should always be well lit and slightly pitched for drainage purposes to avoid accidents. These areas should also be smooth but definitely not slippery. If necessary, chemical treatments should be used to increase friction on the walkway. 
  • Staircases: Staircases are common areas where slip and fall accidents occur. It’s important that these stairs meet local building codes, so these requirements should be checked out even if a business owner has just moved into their new company address. These structures should also remain free of debris at all times. 
  • Floor Maintenance: Floors should always be cleaned to manufacturers’ specifications. Nonslip wax is sometimes essential, but it’s important to make sure that the flooring material is completely compatible with whatever wax is being used. In addition, it’s important to not use wax and floor cleaner combinations that were initially intended for walkways; this will cause residual buildup that can increase the likelihood of accidents.

It’s important for every individual to recognize the liability issues that they face as a business owner. Failure to proactively prevent and anticipate possible injuries that could be sustained on their property is a quick way for an individual to lose everything that they own. Luckily, simply knowing that slip and fall accidents are their main source of liability is enough to get a business owner moving in the right direction. Preventing this type of liability is necessary for anyone who hopes to keep a profitable business. 

As a former law blog editor, author Georgina Clatworthy has written extensively about personal injury and accident liabilities. Price Benowitz, LLP is a firm of personal injury lawyers ready to assist anyone who needs the help of an experienced slip and fall attorney. Partnering with a reputable attorney will maximize your chances of obtaining full compensation for injuries suffered as the result of a these types of accidents.

 

General Safety Issues

USE CAMERAS TO INCREASE YOUR SAFETY AND GIVE YOU PEACE OF MIND (GUEST POST)

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Vandalism and robbery in my area is a real concern. It was the type of problem I could do little to prevent, until I learned more about remote video surveillance – a simple, cost effective solution for those who travel and want peace of mind about leaving their home and belongings. 

I have important documents and family heirlooms in my home that are dear to me and I needed a way to protect them while I’m away. Remote video surveillance allows me to keep a watchful eye on my belongings 24/7/365. Imagine being on the road and having the ability to see what’s happening in and around your home at a moment’s notice, regardless of where you are. Sound impossible? Not with remote video technology. You can view live and recorded video at anytime from anywhere in the world. Here are some of the main advantages of home surveillance. 

Image Quality

High image quality is critical to capture an incident in progress and to identify those involved. Megapixel technologies allow network cameras to deliver better picture quality than an analog CCTV camera. Fully digital systems don’t use analog for transporting signals, which degrade in proportion to the distances of the cable. The signals stay digital, simplifying storage without image degradation. 

Fixed and Tilt Video Cameras

Depending on where you want cameras installed, there are two basic types of cameras to choose from: fixed and pan/tilt cameras.

  • The fixedcamera is used in the corners of rooms and is set to record whenever motion is detected. This is highly advantageous inside the home, when no one is supposed to be home and you don’t want endless hours of footage.
  • The pan and tilt camera, like the one Vivint includes in its home automation packages, allows you to perform a live look around via remote, observing your home in real time. You can change between camera angles instantly, allowing you to swivel the lens to take advantage of a broader view, giving you multiple angles with one camera. 

All you need is a high-speed internet connection and a power outlet for these built-in Wi-Fi or Ethernet cameras to be fully functional. 

Viewing

Some of the best features of remote surveillance are how you view the video. All you need is a web-connected device, like a laptop or compatible smartphone, to look into your home in real time. This can be from a single camera, one at a time, or all cameras at once through a single screen. 

Simple Scalability

Because remote surveillance systems are usually IP-based, expanding the system is a simple matter of adding new cameras to the IP network.  They can be placed anywhere and, because they use the internet, there are no cables to deal with. The system doesn’t even need a PC to operate.  

Security

With any security system, you may be wondering if someone can tamper with your new system. The good news is, IP networks are very easy to protect the files from being viewed or tampered with. Most cameras encrypt the video before it even enters the network and password protection can be utilized at different levels to prevent hacking from outside sources. 

Effective

One of the best advantages of video surveillance is the ability to avoid physical aggression. The high quality video and sound recordings not only help me prevent crimes from happening by calling in incidents to local police, but if required, the recordings can be used as evidence. Remote video surveillance not only provides me with better protection, it offers a proactive intervention solution, while remaining cost-effective. 

About the author:  Elli is a writer and expert in the home security industry.  She enjoys blogging about family and personal safety as well as how advancements in home security and home automation technology can simplify the ways we can keep our home and families safe.

 

 

General Safety Issues

SWIMMING: WHAT YOUR CHILD NEEDS TO KNOW BEFORE JUMPING IN (GUEST POST)

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Sent to us by Kristene Blackham 

Swimming is one of those ideal activities that is suitable for all ages and all fitness levels. This is why swimming is a great sport for kids to get involved in, as age is really only a number as swimming is about endurance, courage and technique. Though you may be anxious to get your child swimming as soon as possible, you need to make sure that you explain the sport in at least a little detail so your child will not be fearful when the time comes to dive right in and start swimming. 

Pictures and Videos

Small children may need to be shown what swimming is about. This is because many young kids are taught and told not to go under the water while in the bath and others may have been taught water safety while on a boat. These cues can cause apprehension in young children and thus make them somewhat fearful about learning to swim. Showing kids videos and sporting events centered around swimming will help visually illustrate that swimming is actually a fun and entertaining sport. 

Watch Mommy

One of the great ways to drive home the fact that once you know the basics of swimming that is is safe to just dive right in to a pool is by showing your own child how you swim. This works best for parents who can swim well and is best done by having your child sit and watch you take a few laps around a pool so they can see that swimming is safe when one knows how to swim properly. 

Professional Guidance

The other option for many parents is through swimming lessons in NYC. This is a way for children to get a good overview and introduction to swimming by a trained instructor. This works well as the swim instructor can talk to the child about swimming, explain how the lessons will work and earn the child’s trust. This is then followed up by the actual lessons which may begin on dry ground and then eventually progress in to the water where flotation devices are first used and then removed when the child has learned how to swim. 

The steps you take in preparing your child for swimming can go a long way in the end. One does not want to simply toss a child in to water and have them learn swimming simply through the process of trying to stay afloat. The extra time will have your little swimmer loving the sport and always craving more time in the water.

Once a child becomes a little swimming pro, if their eyes are sensitive to the water, get some good goggles to protect them.  Also, earplugs can help prevent “swimmer’s ear”.  pb

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

THE TOP FIVE RISKS TO BE AWARE OF WHEN RECOVERING FROM SURGERY (GUEST POST)

 When it comes to surgery, most people worry just about the procedure itself and think that once it’s over, you’re “out of the woods.” However, the time spent recovering after surgery is just as dangerous if not more so than during the procedure itself, as the patient is still in a precarious state. While every case is different, there are a few post-op risks that are common to many surgical procedures: 

  • Anesthesia Complications – It may be commonplace in hospitals, but anesthesia can nonetheless cause permanent damage if not properly administered and/or if the patient reacts badly to it. Issues range from a simple sore throat to nausea and vomiting, which can result in dehydration if not properly cared for. Emergence delirium, a condition in which the patient wakes up confused and agitated, is also a threat since patients can injure themselves while still in a daze. Inquire as to the anesthesiologist’s experience and if they have worked with the rest of the team before.
  • Infection – Surgery literally opens up your body to infection, and sanitization procedures notwithstanding, surgical centers and hospitals are hot spots for bacteria and viruses. Nurses in the PACU should keep a close eye on your incision site, change the bandages often, and take immediate action if an infection is suspected.
  • Lack of Oversight – Not all surgical centers have the same staffing policies, and if your PACU doesn’t have enough staff on hand to effectively monitor patients, your condition could rapidly deteriorate without nurses noticing. Look for a one-to-one ratio of nurses to patients, particularly if you’ll be receiving painkillers.
  • Malfunctioning or Incorrectly Set up Equipment – In a recent medical malpractice settlement, a surgical center’s PACU monitoring machines were found to have been muted, which played a role in the death of a 17-year-old girl after a routine tonsillectomy.
  • Medications – Pain management is a main tenant of post-operative care, but narcotics can also come with significant side effects. Fentanyl, for example, is a very strong painkiller often given to surgical patients, but it comes with the risk of respiratory issues. Ask before your procedure if you’ll be given medications following it, and if so what they will be and the potential side effects. 

While you can never protect yourself completely going into a surgical procedure, being aware of the potential risks both during and after the surgery, as well as taking steps to mitigate them, can help you lower the chance of complications. Your doctor may also have helpful information on how to prepare. 

Mario Cattabiani is the Director of Communications at Ross Feller Casey, LLP, a personal injury and medical malpractice law firm. Check out their post-op care checklist for additional information.

General Safety Issues

SEVERAL BLOGS FEATURING TOP PAINTING TIPS FOR BEGINNERS (GUEST POST)

Want a fresh new look on your walls? Need ideas for painting a nursery? Painting is not hard if you know the basics, and these eighteen blog entries will give you all the information that you need to successfully paint your own walls.  Once you get the hang of painting you’ll be unstoppable, no more wasting money hiring someone else to paint your rooms! And as tempting as it may be, make sure that you don’t skip the prep-work, because it could make the difference between a job well done and one that looks less than perfect.

Preparing to Paint & Tools

Preparing a room and walls properly for painting makes the paint go on smoother and ensures that you are proud of the finished product.  The walls need to be clean, nail holes should be filled and any areas where you don’t want paint need to be taped off. These six blog posts will walk you through the steps you should take before picking up a paint brush.

Successful Painting

In addition to prepping the walls for paint, there are other things that you need to keep in mind, so you’ll need to know all of the correct tools for the job. For instance, you can’t start and stop just anywhere while you are painting if you want consistent color across the wall.  Learn information about cutting in when you read through the following six blog posts about painting your walls.

Advanced Tips & Clean-Up

Here are some tips regarding clean-up and how to care for your brushes and tools so that they will last a long time.  Along with the clean-up tips, there are some tips for different paint treatments that are simple enough for a beginner to do with a little guidance.

These great tips were sent to us by Jeralyn Nelson, of http://www.housesittingjobs.com

You might want to stock up on some face masks to keep you from inhaling dust particles and the paint itself, especially varnish. pb

General Safety Issues

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE LETTING YOUR CHILD RIDE THE SCHOOL BUS ALONE (GUEST POST)

 The first day of school is a momentous occasion for both parents and their children, but so is the first time that your child rides the school bus alone. For some parents, necessity forces them to put their kids on the bus, as their own professional schedules won’t allow for drop-offs and pick-ups. In other cases, belief that riding the bus builds character or exposes kids to manageable difficulty to give them strength is the motivating factor behind using the school bus as primary transportation. Whatever your reasons, there are a few things you should know before your little one climbs those steps for the first time.

Basic School Bus Safety

In order to teach your child the basic rules of school bus safety, you’ll need to know them yourself. Your child should never run to or from the bus, even if he’s late. He should always stand back from the curb and wait for the bus driver’s signal before crossing the street, and should be at least ten feet in front of the bus for peak driver visibility. While he’s on the bus, your child should never shout, get out of his seat or roughhouse with other kids. If you’re not there to put him on the bus and escort him back at the end of the day, your child will need to know these things in order to handle himself safely.

Expected Times of Arrival

Even if you’re not going to be there to greet the bus at the end of the day or put your little one on it, you should still know the expected time of arrival each way. Arranging a system of notification, especially at the end of the day, will let you know that your older child has reached his stop safely. If you don’t know what time the bus arrives at the stop, you won’t know what time to expect that message.

Adults on the Bus

Some school districts or individual buses have an adult aide, in addition to the bus driver, who works as a monitor, while others rely solely on the attention of the driver. If your child’s bus will not have a monitor, you’ll need to understand that he may be exposed to bullying or other behavior that goes unpunished, as the driver’s attention is focused on the road, rather than the conduct of her young riders.

Rules of Conduct

While there are some basic rules of common sense conduct that hold true on every bus, there may be more specific ones on a particular bus or within your school district that you’re not aware of. You can’t pass those rules along and explain them to your child if you don’t know what they are, so make a point of procuring a copy of the conduct rules from your child’s teacher or school administrators before his first solo ride.

How Behavioral Problems are Handled

Kids on the school bus may not be monitored as heavily as they are in class, which can lead to behavioral problems you’d never consider under other circumstances. Whether your child is the victim or the perpetrator of these infractions, they’re so likely to happen that you’ll need to have a basic grasp of how your school district and bus driver will handle potential behavioral problems.

Age Span of Student Riders

In some districts, it’s feasible to keep younger children separated from the older, more rambunctious bus riders. Smaller areas may not have enough students to warrant more than one bus on a single route, however, and may lump kids of all ages together. This can make for some particularly scary moments for very young children, who can be the target of older bullies. Find out what the average age span is of the riders on your child’s bus, so that you can be prepared for any problems or can make alternate arrangements if you feel uncomfortable with the idea of him being surrounded by junior high students.

Your Child’s Ability to Handle Riding the Bus Alone

Some kids are more mature than others of their age, while some fall a bit behind on the scale of emotional maturity. Before you put your child on the school bus to essentially fend for himself, you need to know where he falls on that scale and how capable he is of handling the potential stressors of riding a school bus. In the end, you’re the only person who will know exactly how prepared your child is, and how well he’s likely to deal with the situation.

Our thanks to Hannah Anderson, of fulltimenanny.com, for this valuable information.