Inside Iowa State

May 1, 2009

Policy aims to keep kids safe on campus

by Erin Rosacker

A proposed policy governing children in the workplace has approval from the Faculty Senate and will be voted on May 7 by the Professional and Scientific Council. The policy would apply to faculty, staff, students and visitors bringing children into the workplace.

The Protection of Children in the Workplace policy is aimed at safety issues for "non-student children." It is not intended to apply to the "incidental or intermittent presence" of children -- such as brief visits, family events and celebrations.

Ultimately, supervisors and managers are authorized to approve or deny visits by children. The policy outlines several factors to consider, including:

• Safety and health of the child, others
• Disruption
• Age of child and his/her behavioral characteristics
• Nature of the workplace
• Welcoming environment

High-risk areas -- especially laboratories, rooftops and areas with power tools, machinery and vehicles -- generally are off-limits to youth. Some high-risk areas could be accessed for activities such as guided tours, but would require permission from the supervisor, the office of risk management and the department of environmental health and safety. Proper adult supervision and precautionary and safety measures also would be required.

If the council and president Gregory Geoffroy approve the policy, it will become part of ISU's online policy library.

A PDF version of the proposed policy is available on the P&S Council web site.