Focus on Safety: Local students take OSHA class

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.troymessenger.com/articles/2008/02/14/news/newsssss06.txt

Matt Clower, The Messenger

A new course at the Troy-Pike Center for Technology is giving local high school students an introduction to workplace safety from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

William N. Bice, an OSHA compliance assistance specialist, spoke to students about safety issues on Thursday. He said recent increases in the number of workplace accidents involving young workers has prompted OSHA to seek partnerships with schools.

According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, about 230,000 workers under the age of 18 are hurt on the job each year. Between 60 and 70 are killed.

Introducing students to work-safety issues earlier helps them be better prepared to enter the workforce, Bice said.

"It will help them be better-trained, safer workers, which is very important to industry," Bice said.

More than 70 students from the Troy City and Pike County School Systems are taking the OSHA training course this week. Upon completion of the course, students will earn an OSHA certification credit they can list on their resum/s. Bice said the safety certification could give the students an edge in securing a job.

FULL story at link.