HSA launches education initiative

The HSA recently launched a new module in workplace health and safety for students.

The new module, aimed at Transition Year, Leaving Cert Applied and Leaving Cert Vocational Programme students, will be piloted in the South East and Western regions during the coming school term.

During August, co-ordinators of the pilot project from five centres, together with others from the education sector involved in delivery of the programme, attended a training day run by the HSA in Kilkenny. At the training day, the new student workbook, entitled 'Choose Safety' was unveiled, along with an accompanying teachers' handbook and a DVD.

Jim Lyons, the Chairman of the HSA said, "Incorporating health and safety education at second level is a key goal of the HSA. The initiative, which we are rolling out, has the potential to make a huge difference so that our next generation enjoys a safe and healthy working life. This initiative couldn't have been achieved without the wholehearted support of our partners in the education sector and we look forward to developing this programme in partnership with them over the coming months."

The 'Choose Safety' workbook is interactive and engaging. Not only does it impart vital information, it encourages students to think about issues such as bullying, risk assessment and communications and provides a range of individual and group exercises to enhance the learning experience.

Mary Dorgan, Assistant Chief Executive of the HSA, stated, "The health and safety workbook for students is a great resource. It has been developed in consultation with the education sector. The HSA is excited about the piloting of the programme in the South East and West over the coming months and in particular, we look forward to the feedback from both students and teachers on the health and safety module."