Clearlalke >> Youth @ Work Safety Training took place June 20-23 at Lower Lake High School (LLHS). Dan Felperin of Fresh Training Concepts and Energy Systems in Clearlake taught the curriculum provided by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
The four-day training addressed many hazards that are present in a variety of work environments such as restaurants, office, retail services,and construction. Through simulations, games, role playing, videos and discussion, students were able to learn not only how to stay safe, but how to minimize risk and communicate concerns to team members and supervisors.
One of the major points of the curriculum is learning to take responsibility. According to the NIOSH curriculum, “An ‘accident’ happens randomly, by chance, and you can’t predict or avoid it. On the other hand, you can predict or avoid an “injury” or ‘incident.’ Employers must make their workplaces safe, but young people also have a big role to play in keeping themselves healthy and safe on the job.”
Felperin, a certified safety and health professional as well as a California licensed solar contractor, has also authored: “The Construction Safety Guide,” and offered it to students as a supplemental resource with the hope of getting it into the hands of teacher in the count.
The summer pilot program was collaboration between Felperin and the Lake County Office of Education Career (LCOE) & College Readiness Department. Students ranged in ages from 16-19, with 100 percent passage of the national exam. Upon completion of the course, drawing items were awarded including movie tickets, travel drive and a HD tablet.
Following the event, Brandy Swanson of Mendocino Private Industry Council hosted a Mendo Lake Youth Works job fair that was open to the public. Employers from around the county were invited to LLHS on June 24. Businesses include US Cellular, Konocti school district, Lake County Office of Education, social services, Woodland College and AmeriCorps. Youth and adults who are looking for employment or higher education are encouraged to contact Swanson at 263-0630.
For more information on this program and other youth opportunities, contact Tammy Serpa with the LCOE Career & College Readiness Department at tserpa@lakecoe.org or 263-8918.
