Risk Management for Career Programs in Schools
The State Superintendent of Public Instruction proclaimed February 2025 as Career and Technical Education month. DPI finds increased graduation rates and improved academic performance for schools that offer meaningful experiences in fields aligned with students’ interests.
For schools looking to enhance their Career and Technical education programs, specifically in technology, construction and auto programs, we offer the following risk management considerations:
Safety and Liability Education
- Provide students with a safety guidebook and ensure teachers review all relevant safety rules
- Conduct a safety tour of the technology education shop for all students
- Clearly identify and make emergency equipment readily accessible, including:
- fire extinguishers,
- fire blankets,
- eye wash stations,
- emergency power shut-off switches,
- any other emergency equipment
Provide proper instruction for the safe use of tools, equipment, and materials in classes, including:
- Hands-on Demonstrations – Teachers should demonstrate correct handling, operation, and storage of tools and equipment before student use.
- Written & Visual Instructions – Provide manuals, instructional videos, and signage with safety guidelines.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Training – Educate students on when and how to use safety gear such as goggles, gloves, and aprons.
- Proper Handling & Maintenance – Teach students how to inspect tools and equipment for damage before use and how to perform basic maintenance. Unsafe equipment must be locked out to prevent student use and reported for immediate repair or replacement. Students should never attempt to repair equipment without instructor approval.
- Material Safety & Handling – Cover safe usage, storage, and disposal of materials, including hazardous substances.
- Proper Storage Practices – Ensure students understand how to store tools, equipment, and materials correctly, including securing sharp or hazardous tools and following regulations for storing flammable or hazardous materials in designated areas with proper ventilation. All compressed gas cylinders not in use must be properly secured and chained. Oxygen and acetylene cylinders must be kept at least thirty feet apart. Empty cylinders should be tagged immediately to avoid confusion with active ones.
- Emergency Procedures – Train students on what to do in case of equipment failure, injury, or other emergencies.
- Supervised Practice – Require students to demonstrate proper use of tools and equipment under supervision before independent work.
Maintain a documented, ongoing safety program that includes annual safety instruction and testing for all students. To ensure understanding, students must pass a safety exam with a perfect score. Retakes should be allowed as needed, or students may miss up to 10% of the questions if they write out both the full question and correct answer for review. Both the original safety test and any correction sheets should be signed and dated by the student and retained on file for a minimum of four years.
Why Proper Attire & Housekeeping Matter
Safety in technology education starts with personal responsibility. Wearing the right attire and maintaining a clean workspace helps prevent accidents, protect against injuries, and create a more efficient learning environment. Proper dress ensures students are safeguarded from hazards, while good housekeeping reduces risks like slips, trips, and equipment malfunctions.
Proper Attire & Personal Safety Gear
- Always wear safety glasses or goggles in designated areas.
- Use hearing protection when working with loud equipment.
- Wear close-toed, non-slip shoes; no sandals or open-toed footwear allowed.
- Avoid loose clothing, dangling jewelry, or accessories that could get caught in machinery.
- Tie back long hair and secure loose sleeves or hoodie strings.
- Use gloves only when appropriate—never when operating rotating machinery unless specified.
- Wear flame-resistant clothing when working with open flames or welding equipment.
Housekeeping & Work Area Maintenance
- Keep work areas clean and organized; remove debris and scrap materials promptly.
- Store tools and equipment properly after use—never leave them unattended.
- Clean up spills immediately, especially oils, chemicals, or other hazardous materials.
- Ensure all aisles, exits, and emergency equipment remain unobstructed.
- Dispose of waste materials in designated containers, following safety guidelines.
- Keep electrical cords and hoses neatly arranged to prevent tripping hazards.
- Store flammable and hazardous materials in proper, labeled containers.
- Follow end-of-day cleanup procedures, ensuring all workstations are ready for the next use.
Vehicle Work & Auto Shop Safety Guidelines
Instructor Approval & Supervision
- Students should never work on a vehicle outside of the instructor’s assignment without prior approval.
- Only instructors and students with instructor approval may drive vehicles in or out of the auto shop.
- Students are not permitted to work on vehicles before or after regular class time unless approved and supervised by the instructor.
- Obtain proper permission and instruction before using any vehicle hoist, lift, or jack, and ensure supervision to prevent vehicle hazards.
Vehicle Owner & Work Order Requirements
- Vehicle owners allowing students to work on their vehicles must sign a ‘work order’ form, including a ‘hold harmless’ agreement to protect the school from liability for repairs.
Safety Precautions Around Vehicles
- Always stand to the side of the vehicle when guiding it into the lift area or parking space to avoid being struck.
- Never bring a vehicle into the auto shop with a gasoline leak or defective brakes.
- Remove rings, watches, and jewelry when working on vehicles to prevent entanglement with rotating parts.
- Loose clothing and long hair should be secured, as they can get caught in moving engine parts.
- If performing work that poses a fire risk, place a fire extinguisher next to the vehicle. Return it to its proper location after the work is completed.
Vehicle Hoist & Equipment Safety
- Conduct frequent inspections of vehicle hoists and lifting equipment. Have a certified inspector conduct an annual inspection.
- Ensure that the auto shop instructor supervises all hoist, lift, or jack activities to avoid any falling vehicle hazards.
Key Takeaways
Incorporating these risk management considerations into Career and Technical Education programs not only ensures a safer learning environment but also enhances the overall educational experience for students. By prioritizing safety, proper attire, effective housekeeping, and instructor supervision, schools can help students develop valuable skills while minimizing risks. To review your risk management plan, contact your M3 Client Executive today.
