|
|
Health and Safety Courses OR
Risk Assessment Courses |
|
|
Twenty years
ago newly qualified technology teachers were sent on detailed Health and
Safety courses. Experienced and qualified specialists ran these courses
and attendees gained certificates. The courses prepared teachers well for
teaching in a workshop.
Today’s technology teachers are sent on Risk Assessment courses, which
deal with all the paper work relating to assessing risk in the workshop.
The courses do not appear to deal with actual practical use of machines
and equipment. Consequently, teachers come back from these courses able to
fill out safety forms rather than able to give good advice to pupils relating to
the safe use of machines and equipment.
Risk Assessment courses are run by the reputable organisation DATA, who prepare teachers well for the necessary paper work (DATA
are WATT recommended).
It is time for the Department for Education to send Technology teachers on
recognised safety courses as well as form filling /risk assessment
courses? Relying on risk assessment courses does not lead to safety in a
workshop, teachers must know how to operate machines safely as well.
Is the Department for Education only concerned with covering itself with
paper work rather than giving technology teachers the safety training they
deserve?
|
RECOMMENDED SITES AND CONSULTANTS |
|
The World Association of Technology
Teachers recommends, Eamonn Durkan
eamonn.durkan@blueyonder.co.uk a Design and Technology
Association Consultant, for Health and Safety training in Schools. |
|
The World Association of Technology
Teachers recommends,
Health and
Safety for School Children website, for Health and Safety information
for Schools. |
|
The World Association of Technology
Teachers recommends,
Phoenix Health and Safety |
|
The World Association of Technology
Teachers recommends,
IOSH accredited
Health & Safety e-Learning |
|
The World Association of Technology
Teachers does not recommend,
European Education Consultants Ltd.
On-line Health and Safety Management Suite. |
|
|
Comments to
watt@teacher.com |
|