17 August 2004 - Module Developed to Familiarise New Teachers with Risk Assessments for Children
A new
module has been created at the School of Education at Birmingham's
University of Central England, by the Royal Society for the Prevention of
Accidents (RoSPA), supported by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
This new module has been created, due to RoSPA having noted that most new
teachers are not aware of the need for risk assessments, nor the process of
these assessments, both within the school and out on school excursions.
RoSPA's recent survey found that 1 in 20 teachers did have risk assessment
training, whilst only 1 in 4 had Health and Safety induction training within
their school.
RoSPA would like this scheme to eventually cover Great Britain as a whole
once more research has been carried out.
So far, 200 teachers have completed the course, with the general consensus
being one of approval.
Juliet Barratt, RoSPA Head of Safety Education commented:
“It is concerning to know that teachers are being involved with and going on school trips and educational visits without having an understanding of the risk assessment needed for a particular activity. High-profile media coverage has shown that some teachers are still taking unnecessary risks when escorting students on trips. They need to know if they are suitably equipped with the skills needed to identify and respond to risks before they go ahead with certain activities. It is crucial that all teachers are aware of hazards and risks on an everyday basis, and are confident in their knowledge of risk management to ensure the health and safety of the young people they are working with.”
Article by Alexandra Johnston
