This month IOSH launches wiseup2work, an interactive online resource designed to help young people, teachers and employers think about health and safety at work.
Wiseup2work is a fully interactive website, packed with games, info sheets, a chat forum and celebrity stories that deliver key health and safety messages. The aim is to give young workers and work placement students a safe and realistic attitude towards their first job, ideally before they enter the workplace.
“We’re trying to reach people who are incredibly media savvy, and know far more about MSN than MSDs,” Ruth Doyle, director of communications said. “An online resource is the best way to engage them.”
Educating the educators
But the site isn’t just for under 21s, there are resources for teachers, employers and youth workers too. These include lesson plans, facts and figures, case studies, workplace guidance and links to further information.
IOSH will be contacting these important groups to direct them to the online resources, and aims to use their feedback in the ongoing development of the site.
IOSH is supported in this project by the Learning and Skills Council, the government body responsible for planning and funding vocational training and education for over 16s in England. The National Youth Agency, an organisation that works to promote the development of young people within society, will also be helping to get the word out about wiseup2work. IOSH is also talking to Chambers of Commerce and other youth charities to make sure the site gets the widest possible interest.
Speak up
IOSH’s competition for European Week for Safety and Health at Work will launch via wiseup2work in April.
The ‘Speak up’ competition asks groups of 14-19s to design an advertising campaign targeting their peers, which IOSH will use as part of wider communications activity. Prizes include the latest hi-tech gadgets and a day in an unusual workplace such as t he House of Commons or the Ministry of Defence.
“The launch of wiseup2work is a great way to kick start this campaign issue,” Neil Budworth, IOSH president said, “and I encourage our members to get involved in any way they can.”
www.wiseup2work.co.uk launches at the end of April.
Do you want to get involved in IOSH’s young people campaign? Contact Ruth Doyle on 0116 2573100 or [email protected]
