The new Workplace Hazard Awareness Course (WHAC) was recently put to the test in front of Lord McKenzie, Parliamentary Under Secretary at the Department for Work and Pensions.
Lord McKenzie visited Barnfield Technology College in Luton to see students using the WHAC course, which was developed by IOSH in conjunction with the HSE and leads to the Entry Level Award in Workplace Hazard Awareness (Level 3) offered by British Safety Council Awards.
IOSH’s immediate past president, Neil Budworth, and Peter Birkett, Barnfield Technology College’s principal, were also on hand to see the students using the course, which contains more than 20 activities, including an interactive presentation with film clips, teacher guide, workbook, evidence sheets, and extension work.
Said Lord McKenzie: “Health and safety plays a vital role in the Government’s Health, Work and Well-being strategy, which aims to prevent workplace illness and injuries, as well as improve the health of the working-age population. Because of their lack of experience, young people are particularly vulnerable to workplace dangers. This is why I am so pleased to see IOSH and the HSE working together to deliver this important and pioneering course.”
Neil added: “It’s essential that young people do this course so that they have got some protection at work. And we are delighted at Lord McKenzie showing his support by seeing students benefiting from it.”
Peter said: “Occupational health and safety is one of Barnfield College’s highest priorities, as it must be in industry. I’m looking forward tremendously to developing our partnership with IOSH in providing much-needed occupational health and safety training.”
