“Safety doesn’t happen by accident.”
Like all teachers, my aim is to create a safe and productive learning environment for students in the workshop by setting clear expectations for students to comply with the workshop safety rules, learn and pass compulsory safety tests and follow all Safety Operating Procedures (SOP) for every tool, machine and task while they are in the workshop.
As a builder of over 30 years, I have seen my share of serious accidents by tradesmen rushing or not concentrating on their tasks or surroundings.
As I say to my students,
“The blade does not care if it hurts you as it slices through your fingers.”
Some examples of the many SOPs we have in the workshops.
Protect your hearing at all costs
I have been in the building industry for over 30 years and have tried to protect my ears as much as possible. State school employees in noisy environments get their hearing checked every 2 years or so. I happened to start one of those years and had my hearing checked on 13 February 2024. I expected to have hearing issues but had above-average results. A huge surprise!
I started checking the noise levels for certain machines within the workshop areas to ensure students had earmuffs on when necessary. I would encourage them to wear earmuffs on machines over 85 dB. Even though Safework Australia recommends that workers are not exposed to 85dB for eight (8) hours, I believe it is better to be safe than sorry when it comes to loud noises for any length of time.
Apple Watch to the rescue…
I am sure the Apple Watch is not an industry standard for certifying noise levels, but the students seem to consider it good enough.
APST’S
SAFETY IN THE WORKSHOP covers several APST/s
2.1. Knowledge and understanding: This standard requires teachers to understand relevant curriculum content and effective teaching strategies. In this context, this translates to knowledge of:
2.2. Safe workshop practices include understanding potential hazards in the workshop environment, relevant safety regulations for specific tools and machinery, and safe material handling procedures.
2.3. Safe teaching strategies include planning lessons that minimise risks, providing clear instructions on safe tool use, and effectively supervising students during workshop activities.
3.1. Adapting the lesson to student capabilities: The lesson plan should consider the students’ experience levels and ensure activities are appropriate for their skill sets to minimise potential risks.
3.2. Integrating safety procedures into the lesson plan could include outlining safety protocols for using tools, wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), and proper waste disposal procedures.
3.3 Use teaching strategies to develop conceptual understanding (if applicable): In some contexts, monitoring noise levels could be linked to teaching about safety practices and the importance of hearing protection. For instance, during a workshop activity using loud tools, the teacher might monitor noise levels and explain the purpose of earmuffs in protecting hearing.
4.1 Create and implement engaging learning experiences: Creating a safe workshop environment doesn’t have to come at the expense of an engaging learning experience. A well-designed lesson can:
4.3. Provide clear consequences for unsafe behaviour: Defining expectations and consequences for unsafe behaviour reinforces the importance of safety in the workshop.
4.4 Incorporate safety as part of the learning process: Teaching students’ safe practices from the outset fosters a safety culture in the workshop.
4.2 Plan for and implement effective teaching and learning sequences: Monitoring noise levels can help ensure that classroom activities remain focused and productive. Excessive noise can hinder learning for students. By managing noise levels, teachers can create a more engaging learning environment.
5.1 Assessment and providing feedback: This standard goes beyond assessing student learning regarding the design task. A teacher can also assess students’ understanding and application of safety procedures during the workshop activities.
5.2 Provide feedback to students on their learning: Safety is an ongoing conversation where students need constant reminders of safety protocols and procedures to ensure their safety within the workshop.
5.4. Interpret student data: Students must complete safety protocols to show they understand how to use tools and machinery safely, e.g., Demonstrations, OnGuard theory and proficiency tests for each tool, machine and process. This data is constantly analysed to ensure the student can act safely in the workshop and comply with legislative safety requirements.
5.5 Report on Student Achievement: Various communication methods will be used to ensure that all stakeholders are notified of the student’s ability to operate within a workshop.
6.3 Engage with colleagues and improve practice: Teachers must collaborate and agree on a consistent and standardised method of testing and recording students to ensure they comprehend the risks and processes required to operate tools and machinery in the workshop.
6.4 Apply professional learning and improve student learning: Continuous upskilling is required to comply with legislation to create a safe and engaging working environment for students and teachers.
7.2 Comply with legislative, administrative and organisational requirements: As per 6.4 above, Continuous upskilling and record-keeping are required to comply with legislation and create a safe working environment for students and teachers.
7.3 Engage with the parents/carers: As per a recent aggressive incident in which I had to intervene to stop a student from attacking another with a mallet, strategies and procedures are required beforehand to ensure appropriate protocols and processes are followed to ensure the safety of all stakeholders.
7.4 Engage with professional teaching networks and broader communities: Teachers must actively learn from others and stay up-to-date with current best practices. This helps ensure that they provide their students with the best possible education.
By demonstrating these aspects of the APST/s, teachers create a safe and productive learning environment for students in the workshop setting.
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