Students to get safety lessons

AN extensive new health and safety module aimed at transition year and applied Leaving Cert vocational students will be launched in schools next month.

The pilot programme will be rolled out in the south east and western regions from September and pupils will be taught about bullying, risk assessment and communications.

Students will study from an interactive workbook and DVD, while teachers will prepare lessons from a specially designed handbook launched by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA).

Speaking at a training day in Kilkenny for teachers, HSA Chairman Jim Lyons said: “Incorporating health and safety education at second level is a key goal of the HSA.

“The initiative, which we are rolling out today, 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 student workbook was unveiled along with the interactive DVD and teachers’ aids.

The training was attended by co-ordinators of the pilot project with teachers and representatives of the education sector.

The HSA said it is excited about the programme and will invite feedback on it from teachers and pupils.