Occupational safety and health education in the public schools: Rationale, goals, and implementation

Abstract

Occupational safety and health education deserve major attention in the elementary and secondary school curriculum. The astonishing severity and widespread prevalence of job-related injuries and diseases warrants the addition of this topic to the school syllabus. In addition, the years before high school graduation are the time when (a) attitudes toward safety and health are formed, (b) youngsters are readily accessible, and (c) youngsters can be motivated to consider the safety and health hazards of various occupations before they pursue a career. Six goals for occupational safety and health education at the elementary and secondary school levels are offered, and several instructional approaches designed to enable instructors and students to achieve these goals are recommended.