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Health & Safety Policy

MIT Hong Kong Innovation Node (the “Node”) is committed to excellence in health and safety stewardship and in the larger community of which we are a part. The Node is committed to providing healthy and safe conditions for work and study, and to eliminating conditions and incidents which could result in personal injury or ill health. It is our policy to take all reasonably practicable steps to ensure the health, safety and welfare of all its employees, students, visitors, staff of contractors and members of the public who are or may be affected by its activities.

 

Guide to Working with Minors

Good practices in minor/adult interaction means that staff and volunteers in a teaching capacity should ensure that participants are ready to learn at all times, embrace the growth mindset, and be open-minded. Some pointers include:

  • Positive Emotions – Accepting Constructive Feedback
    • View feedback as an opportunity for growth rather than a criticism. Be open to receiving feedback from others and reflect on how they can improve.
  • Positive Engagement – Fostering Positive Learning Attitude
    • Encourage participants to actively engage in the lesson, collaborate with teammates, and learn from each other;
    • Be attentive, minimize participants’ distractions, especially the use of mobile phones;
    • Foster effective time management, support participants to manage time effectively, attend class punctually and finish tasks on time.
  • Positive Relationships – Practicing Active Listening
    • When engaging in conversations, help participants practice active listening by fully focusing on the speaker and seeking to understand their perspective. Avoid interrupting or making assumptions.
  • Positive Meaning and Positive Accomplishment
    • Emphasize that challenges and setbacks are opportunities for growth and learning; the process and effort participants put into tasks is more important that solely focusing on the outcome.

Minor Safety

Good practices in minor/adult interaction means that staff and volunteers should:

  • Avoid alone time with a minor as much as possible, and especially avoid being in a bathroom alone with a child.
  • Maintain a safe and appropriate distance from participants.
  • Only touch participants when it is necessary in relation to the activity. Employees should use best judgment when working with minors and try to keep physical contact appropriate. Please contact the Program Manager if you require guidance.
  • Choose appropriate language and messages when working with minors. Be careful of using sarcasm and avoid vulgar language around minors.
  • Immediately report any accidents or injuries to the Program Manager. The Program Manager is required to forward the report to the Executive Director as soon as reasonably possible.
  • Treat all children regardless of race, religion, or culture with respect and consideration.
  • Set and monitor appropriate boundaries and relationships when working with children, based on openness, honesty and respect for the child’s personal space.
  • Use positive techniques of guidance, including positive reinforcement and encouragement rather than competition, comparison or criticism.
  • Abstain from using humiliating discipline techniques, and from being drawn into inappropriate attention-seeking behaviour. Do not make suggestive or derogatory remarks in front of children or young people.
  • Do not use profanity in the presence of children or parents.
  • Portray a positive role model for youth by maintaining an attitude of respect, patience, courtesy, and maturity.
  • Avoid being alone with a child except to the extent that it is a requirement of the job, in which case the requirement will be noted by the Program Manager at the outset of the Program.
  • Ensure adequate supervision of minors while they are participating in programs or activities, whether on or off campus.
  • Ensure all participants in a program or activity understand what facilities and equipment they are permitted to use.