ERIC Number: EJ774179
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2007-Mar
Pages: 9
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0746-3537
EISSN: N/A
Checking Safety in Technology Education
Gunter, Robert E.
Technology Teacher, v66 n6 p5-13 Mar 2007
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics [BLS], n.d.) has shown that workers involved in accidents have little, if any, instruction on the equipment they were using while injured. Keep in mind that instruction on the safe operation of a piece of equipment may take place early in the school year, but a student may not use that equipment until much later. It is unlikely that students will remember every aspect about safe operation without reminders. Safety should be in every lesson and laboratory procedure and reinforced continually. The use of tools, materials, and skills that require the use of equipment is embedded throughout "Standards for Technological Literacy." Specifically, Standard 12 states that students will develop the abilities to use and maintain technological products and systems. Targeted safety objectives for specific grade levels are within this standard. As reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, n.d.), most accidents are caused by faulty facilities or equipment, by poor work habits and attitudes, or by unsafe working conditions. A technology education (TE) instructor can have an effect on each of these areas. Therefore, safety instruction should be infused into every aspect of the TE curriculum. The TE instructor is the supervisor of the laboratory, and students cannot be safe without constant vigilance. By developing and using a comprehensive safety program that includes the use of classroom/laboratory safety checklists, TE instructors can document, educate, and protect the students entrusted to their supervision. (Contains 3 tables, 3 figures and 16 resources.)
Descriptors: Laboratory Procedures, Technology Education, Laboratory Safety, Technological Literacy, Laboratory Equipment, Accident Prevention, Safety Education, Check Lists, Occupational Safety and Health
International Technology Education Association (ITEA). 1914 Association Drive Suite 201, Reston, VA 20191-1539. Tel: 703-860-2100; Fax: 703-860-0353; e-mail: itea@iteaconnect.org; Web site: http://www.iteaconnect.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: United States
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A