[Design and Technology] Safety in technology

[Tran, Lorraine I]

Dear Colleagues

 

The following excerpt is from DATA in the UK but it could have happened anywhere in the world in a technology class....

 

'Two serious accidents in local authority schools

Members working in local authorities should be aware of recent accidents having serious implications.

In one school, a technician cut his hand badly on a circular saw because the crown guard had been removed by a teacher the previous day. The HSE report stated: "It was only at this stage (when he had cut his hand) that the technician realised the guard was missing" as he had never been formally trained to use the machine. As the employer, the local authority were prosecuted by HSE for "failing to impose, monitor and enforce a uniform safe system of work and minimum levels of training".

The fine was £12,000 with legal costs of £4,884.

This demonstrates the need for local authorities to ensure that equipment used in schools is maintained in a safe condition and that staff are trained and the condition of equipment is monitored.' 

 

I understand that the publication Safety in Wood, Metal and Plastics Technology in Victorian Government Schools: Report of the Safety in Technology Panel for the Department of Education in Victoria is to be made available to government schools and regions shortly. The Safety in Technology panel recommended a short course in OHS and the safe use of wood, metal and plastics machinery for technology teachers. The short course has been approved by the VRQA and will be trialled over the coming months in preparation for roll out across the state.

 

Teachers may also wish to access the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2007 available at

http://www.dms.dpc.vic.gov.au/Domino/Web_Notes/LDMS/PubStatbook.nsf/

Select 2007 and scroll down to No 41.

 

Hope you are having a safe and relaxing semester break.

 

Regards, Lorraine.

 

Lorraine Tran

Curriculum Manager, P - 12 Design and Technology

Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA)

41 St Andrews Place

East Melbourne 3002

http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au

 

Email: tran.lorraine.i at edumail.vic.gov.au

Telephone: (03) 9651 4407

Mobile:       041 933 1630

 

The VCAA provides curriculum and assessment for prep to Year 12. The VCAA is a statutory body directly responsible to the Minister for Education and Training and serves government and non-government schools. 

 


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