WORKSAFE – Developing and implementing a WorkSafe Toolbox and WorkSafe Online Training Course to be used within work based learning within the fields of metal work and construction

Teachers within the technical fields and especially teachers within construction and metal work have raised their concerns when it comes to work safety in companies that receive students/apprentices for work based learning. It has come to their attention that some small and medium sized companies that receive students for work based learning tend to ignore health & safety (H&S) standards and regulations. The mentoring teachers find it difficult to address this issue with the employers/work mentors as they don’t want to be considered as being to interfering. They also feel that they don’t know how to address the issue in a professional and correct manner.
It is of common interest (both teacher and employer) that the safety standards/regulations are followed and are made more visible for all parties involved. The problem with following health and safety regulations is bigger among small and medium sized enterprises (SME)than in big companies and therefor we intend to focus on SMEs in the WorkSafe project.
Many employers can be seen as good examples and we intend to involve such companies in this project as experts and silent partners. The task of these employers will be to function as experts and role models. Their task will be to provide best practice examples of the benefits of maintaining a high standard of work safety as well as share information on how to create a work safety toolbox that can be used by teachers, students, work mentors and employers before, during and after a work placement.