A recent study has found that teaching older kids about workplace safety can have a significant impact on their knowledge and attitudes towards the topic. The study, which was conducted by researchers in Colorado, focused on the effectiveness of a specific workplace safety training program called Safety Matters.

Safety Matters is a free, hour-long educational module that was developed by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the American Industrial Hygiene Association. The program is designed for students in grades seven through 12, as well as young adults. It covers a range of topics related to workplace safety and health, and also provides information on potential careers in the field.

The study involved 283 youth who participated in the Safety Matters training. Researchers collected pre- and post-test evaluation forms to assess the participants’ knowledge and attitudes towards workplace safety. The results showed a significant increase in both areas.

Before the training, the participants had an average knowledge score of 62%. After completing the Safety Matters module, their average score increased to 85.3%. The participants also showed an increase in their attitude towards the importance of workplace safety and health, with their average score rising from 4.5 to 4.8 on a five-point scale.

The study’s authors noted that the positive impact of the training was seen across all age, sex, race, ethnicity, and previous work experience groups. They described the Safety Matters module as a “promising, community-based model” for reaching young people who may not otherwise receive workplace safety training.

In addition to its focus on workplace safety, the study also highlighted the importance of the program’s emphasis on health. The authors argued that this dual focus is critical for young people, as they are often at a higher risk for work-related injuries and illnesses.

The study was published in the National Safety Council’s Journal of Safety Research.