Resources increase workplace safety knowledge for Alberta teens (High Level)
Employers to know when students have received health and safety training
Edmonton... High Level Public School is one of six Alberta high schools testing new resources developed to teach students how to work safely before they enter the workforce.
"Educating students in the classroom about workplace healthy and safety is an excellent way to prepare them for the realities that they will face on the worksite," said Education Minister Gene Zwozdesky. "This Work Safe Alberta initiative provides a comprehensive toolkit and binder to help teachers demonstrate to students how to keep classrooms and worksites safe."
Resources are provided to assist teachers when workplace health and safety is covered in high school courses. These resources include teacher's notes, handouts, posters and other helpful tools on a variety of topics such as emergency response plans, hazard identification, and workplace health and safety legislation.
In February, students will receive a Work Safe Passport where teachers and employers can record the health and safety training completed. Courses recorded in the passport will be recognized by employers, and will make students more marketable when seeking employment.
"Education is vital for everybody to keep their workplace safe," said Human Resources and Employment Minister Mike Cardinal. "This initiative will help employers and workers prevent injuries and suffering."
In addition to High Level Public School, five other Alberta high schools are testing the materials: Parkland Composite High School in Edson; Centre High Campus in Edmonton; and Lord Shaughnessy, Central Memorial and St. Francis High Schools in Calgary. Sturgeon Composite High School in Namao, Consort School, Lacombe School and Cardston High School will be added to the field test when the Work Safe Passport is ready for field-testing in February.
The health and safety teaching resources are expected to be available to high schools across the province in the fall of 2006. Teacher preparation workshops will be offered to support the use of these resources. More information on this initiative is available online at www.whs.gov.ab.ca/workers
