Safety and Health Topics for
Students in the Workforce
Dr. Doug Ullrich
Sam Houston State University
Work-Based Learning

As the teacher you are still responsible
for their safety and health…. Even
though they are NOT under your direct
observation.
Class TIME!!!

Beginning of the semester


Safety and Health issues to the industry as
a whole
Safety and Health issues related to their
specific job
Safety Topics to cover









Tool, Equipment, Machinery
Horticulture / Greenhouse
Animal, Plant and BioHazards
Electrical
Fire
Chemical
Hunter, Boater & Angler
Work Related Issues
OSHA and other regulatory agencies
Require Student
Acknowledgement

Safety Contracts




Student expectations and responsibilities
Possible dangers
Disciplinary actions possible
Signatures




Student AND PARENT
Teacher
Administrator
Business Cooperator / BOSS
Consent-to-use Form




Contract with Parents
Lists all equipment, tools, etc. that the
student will use
Lists safety education taught to
students, etc.
Signatures
Safety Tests



True and False tests are NOT
acceptable
A mixture of multiple choice, short
answer, fill-in-the-blank, skills
demonstration are necessary
100% Mastery – anything less is NOT
acceptable
Safety Tests [continued]


Test/Retest Policy – if a student does not get
the required 100% on the safety exam you
MUST reteach and retest for the missed items
or improperly performed skills.
Example: Douggy missed a question on the
exam covering eye safety and eye protection.
If you do not retest and he injures his eye
while on the job you AND HIS BOSS can be
held responsible for failing to properly train
him in eye safety issues.
Post General Safety Rules for
Your Facility and the Workplace







Posters listing general rules should be located
in several areas of the classroom/lab.
Posters should be NEW.
Every piece of equipment should have rules
posted on it or near it.
Cleanup schedule should be posted.
Emergency numbers should be posted.
Evacuation routes should be posted.
Discipline plan for safety violations should be
written and posted.
Enforce Safety Rules




Discipline plan for safety violations should
be written and posted.
Every safety violation should be
documented in student folder and
gradebook.
Reteach / Retest following every safety
violation
This must be reinforced at the Workplace
Conduct Safety Inspections






Teacher inspection
Administrator inspection
Insurance Agency inspection
Fire Marshall inspection
Bring in other professionals
Remember you are responsible if these
inspections are not completed and
documented
Establish Emergency
Procedures





Post evacuation routes
Post emergency phone numbers
Rehearse emergency response
Teach basic first aid
Practice safety procedures
Maintain First Aid Kit


Should be checked periodically
Keep well stocked
Document Safety Instruction





Lesson Plans
Grade Books
Teach / Reteach should be documented
All tests, release forms should be kept
on file
All facility inspections should be
documented and correction or repairs
completed and documented
Keep Equipment/Tools in
Good Condition




When something breaks it should be
tagged out and NOT used
Make repairs / replacement immediately
Most teachers are NOT skilled enough
to make major repairs.
Be careful with electrical repairs and
instillation. Use an electrician!
Ensure Safety Daily



Check everything daily
Be Alert!
Too many kids??




Alert Administration
Develop grouping system to limit numbers
in lab facility.
Too many hazards at job site?
Any potentially hazards MUST be
addressed immediately!
Report and Investigate
ALL Accidents




All injuries must be documented
Usually the school nurse will handle this
Document the injury, equipment or tool
used and the correction needed.
If the equipment or tool was the cause
of the injury repair and document
immediately.
Supervise Students





The teacher is responsible!
The teacher must be in the facility to monitor
students. NOT in the office!
If a substitute teacher is monitoring the class
he/she should NOT be allowed to take
students into the laboratory unless they are
certified in that field or have special training.
Enforce rules fairly.
Do not overlook or ignore any violation.
Sexual Harassment?

You must address it immediately!
Model Safe Behavior




The teacher is the role model.
Everything the teacher does MUST
follow all safety rules and procedures.
The teacher is the key to a clean, wellorganized and safe facility.
The teacher sets the tone for a good
safety climate.
Secure Liability Insurance




Someday you may need it!
If the injury is remotely due to the
teachers negligence most school
districts will not support the teacher.
$1 million is not enough
Be a member of your professional
organization!