Woodvale students demonstrate Internet 'Worksafe' package

February 16, 1996

Woodvale Senior High School students showed Labour Relations Minister Graham Kierath how they surf the Net today to gain valuable information on workplace safety and health.

The students are using about 175 computer screens and the Internet to find out about a new occupational safety and health resource called 'WorkSafe Smart Move' before they join Western Australian workplaces for work experience.

"Young workers are vital to WA's future, yet young people are injured at work more frequently than other workers," Mr Kierath said.

"The State Government has developed the WorkSafe Smart Move package to help young people learn about occupational safety and health before undertaking work experience.

"Some 30,000 Year 10, 11 and 12 students undertake work experience each year in chosen areas for two weeks.

"Computer literacy is a key requisite for the job market, so the WorkSafe Smart Move package is delivered through the Internet.

"It will also be available to students who do not have access to the Internet through WorkSafe Western Australia."

The Internet package, available through WorkSafe Western Australia's 'SafetyLine' service rewards students with a WorkSafe Smart Move certificate signed by the Minister when they pass a self-test.

Mr Kierath said the certificate would open doors to more workplaces for work experience students because employers would be confident about the safety of students.

"This safety training package for young people on the Internet is at the leading edge of technology distribution and education," he said.

ThinkSafe Sam, the ThinkSafe campaign mascot, was presented with his WorkSafe Smart Move graduation certificate at the launch.

Media contact: Steve Manchee on 481 2133 or 222 9595