Essential Elements for Effective Safety and Health Education in Postsecondary Construction Career Technical Education

• Published in: New solutions Vol. 29; no. 1; pp. 53 - 75
• Main Authors: Bush, Diane, Chang, Charlotte, Rauscher, Kimberly, Myers, Doug
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Los Angeles, CA SAGE Publications 01.05.2019; SAGE PUBLICATIONS, INC
• Subjects: Academic achievement; Careers; Construction industry; Education; Group research; Health care policy; Health education; Literature reviews; Occupational health; Occupational safety; Students; Technical education; Training; Vocational education; health and safety training; young workers; construction industry; Career Technical Education; vocational education
• ISSN: 1048-2911; 1541-3772; 1541-3772
• DOI: 10.1177/1048291119830657

Because Career Technical Education (CTE) programs at the community/technical college level are among the few places new construction workers receive training or preparation, they are an important vehicle for educating new and young workers about occupational health and safety (OSH). We developed recommendations for (1) OSH “core competencies” that all postsecondary construction students should achieve and (2) “essential elements” for OSH education in construction training programs. Based on a review of the literature, subject matter expert focus groups, and iterative engagement with an expert advisory group, we identified fourteen core competencies and a list of essential supporting elements at the school, program, and instructor levels. Knowledge and recognition of the importance of effective safety and health management systems served as the foundation for elements and competencies. Findings provide an important starting point for systematically improving the preparation of construction CTE students that can help keep them safe on the job.