Classroom Activities
The following four activities are featured in the new coop resource book.
Note: The resources linked below open in a new tab or window.
Inspection!
In small groups, and in cooperation with the school, assign students an area of the school to inspect. Download the checklist [PDF 42 kb] and print and hand it out. Students will look for hazardous situations that can cause injuries.
As an added level of difficulty, for each hazard they find, have them write:
- why it is dangerous
- what could happen if the hazard was not corrected
- two options for correcting the situation
- who should be advised of the hazard (someone in a position of responsibility)
Then, have them number their hazards as priority 1 (most imminent danger to others and needs immediate attention as someone could be hurt immediately), priority 2 (should be fixed soon), or priority 3 (not likely to hurt anyone now, but something that should be reviewed and submit their written report).
Spot the hazard
Everyone can do this one! Have your students study the picture of the office or the kitchen and find the potential hazards. Download the office and gas station pictures and the versions with the answers.
Office hazard hunt
- Teacher instructions [PDF 604 kb]
- Student handout [PDF 181 kb]
Kitchen hazard hunt
- Teacher instructions [PDF 214 kb]
- Student handout [PDF 369 kb]
As an added level of difficulty, ask students to record:
- why it is dangerous
- what could happen if the hazard is not corrected
- how the hazard should be corrected
Exploring worker safety issues: Different types of work arrangements
Divide the class into groups. Ask each group to choose one type of work situation from the following list of five common non-standard job arrangements. Ask them to pretend they are working under this type of work arrangement. Alternatively, this could be done as an individual assignment.
Five non-standard job arrangements
- Part-time work – You are working after school for 15 hours a week in a convenience store. You are often alone in the store.
- 12-hour shifts – You are working 12 hour shifts in a factory for the summer.
- Small business – You are working for your uncle in his landscaping business for the summer.
- Temporary contract – You are working for the local municipality at the swimming pool on a temporary contract, painting the change room building.
- Work-at-home – You are working for a large telemarketing company from your home using your computer.
Each group should discuss the following questions and be prepared to present answers to the class for a discussion. Encourage the students to share their own experience of working part-time, on contract, etc.
- What are the health and safety challenges for the worker?
- What steps would you take to protect yourself or others working in these conditions?