Fórsa the Trade Union representing school secretaries has expressed serious concern after a school secretary was assaulted in a Cork school last Friday 23-1-26.
The attack underlines the very real risks faced by public-facing staff in schools and other public services said a union spokesperson.
The union has reacted following details first reported in All About Cork earlier today Monday.
The incident currently under investigation by Gardai occurred shortly after 10am last Friday when a man gained access to the school premises.
The secretary encountered the intruder, described as being in his 30s, who then rushed towards her, knocking her to the ground before fleeing the scene.
The secretary according to sources needed medical attention and is said to be extremely distressed following the incident.
Gardaí were alerted and are examining the circumstances surrounding the attack. It is understood that there is no proper CCTV system in place at the school.
The school is not being identified in order to protect the privacy of the staff member involved.
Fórsa’s head of Education Andy Pike commented: “As a trade union Fórsa is naturally focused on the health and safety of its members in the workplace.
This incident serves as a reminder to all stakeholders – the Department of Education, boards of management, parents and students and other trade unions – about the need for consistent and effective safety measures in school buildings.
“Basic protections such as secure entry systems, controlled access to reception areas, and properly maintained CCTV are not in place in every school, despite the necessity to protect staff from wilful or opportunistic attacks,” he said.
While schools must remain welcoming places for pupils and parents, this cannot come at the expense of the safety of workers. Employers have a clear duty of care to ensure that staff are not exposed to avoidable risks in the course of their work.
Mr Pike added that Fórsa would be raising the issue with the Department of Education, and urging an urgent review of security arrangements in schools and to ensure that appropriate protocols and physical measures are put in place to protect staff.
He said this should include a proper assessment of access controls, the availability of CCTV where appropriate, and clear procedures for dealing with intrusions or threatening behaviour.
He added: “No worker should feel unsafe simply for doing their job. This incident must serve as a wake-up call that more needs to be done to safeguard school staff and other public-facing workers across Cork and beyond,” he said.
Gardai are appealing to anyone with information to come forward
