• About this study
• Our findings
• Study details

Communicating health & safety messages to young learners

About this study

This study aims to prevent the development of long latency diseases (LLDs), such as lung cancer, among those working in industries with a particular risk (EG construction workers, plumbers, welders and stonemasons).

It examines how health and safety messages can be most effectively communicated when training young people for professions that may expose them to harmful substances such as dust, fumes or gases.

Key findings include:

• There is limited awareness of long latency diseases.
• There is limited understanding of how to reduce exposure to harmful substances, especially amongst workers in small companies.
• A number of barriers stop health and safety practices being implemented at work.
• Trainees found practical ways of learning the most useful - and responded best to visually engaging materials.

You read more about the findings here.

Potential policy impact

The Health and Safety Executive are using our findings to inform the development of new training materials to use with young learners.

Method

We were commissioned by the Health and Safety Executive to conduct a literature review, followed by telephone interviews with key stakeholders from industry and further education institutions. Finally, focus groups and workshops were carried out with young learners in vocational education and training.

Of interest: