Active learning ideas
Health, Safety, and Well-being at Work focuses on the physical and mental aspects of staying safe in a professional environment. This topic introduces students to the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) and the legal obligations of both employers and employees to maintain a safe workplace. Students learn how to identify common hazards, from trip risks in an office to machinery dangers on a farm or construction site, and the importance of using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Activity 01
Place photos of various workplaces (kitchen, office, shop floor) around the room. Students move in pairs to identify at least three hazards in each photo and suggest a 'control measure' to make it safe.
What are the main health and safety hazards in a typical workplace?
Activity 02
Pairs act out a scene where an employee has witnessed a 'near miss' (e.g., a spilled liquid or a blocked fire exit). They must practice reporting it to a supervisor in a way that is clear, professional, and constructive.
What should you do if you witness an accident at work?
Activity 03
In small groups, students research three ways an employer can support mental health (e.g., clear break times, anti-bullying policies). They create a 'Well-being Charter' poster for a fictional company.
How can you maintain a healthy work-life balance?
A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
Health and safety is just 'common sense.'
Students often underestimate hidden risks like ergonomics or chemical exposure. Active investigation of 'Safety Data Sheets' or ergonomic posters helps them see that safety is a professional skill, not just an instinct.
Safety is only the boss's responsibility.
Many believe they can't be blamed for an accident. Through peer discussion of the 'Duty of Care,' students learn that they are legally required to look after their own safety and that of their colleagues.
Methods used in this brief
Rights and Responsibilities in the Workplace
Students learn about employment legislation in Ireland, focusing on the rights of young workers, minimum wage, and working hours. They also explore the responsibilities employees have towards their employers.
8 methodologies
Managing Personal Finances
This topic equips students with essential financial literacy skills, including budgeting, understanding payslips, and navigating the banking system. They learn how to make informed financial decisions.
8 methodologies