A new version has been launched for a Western Australian program providing free work safety resources to senior high school students and young workers.

WA Commerce Minister Michael Mischin has announced the updated version of WorkSafe SmartMove, a useful workplace safety and health resource.

WorkSafe WA Commissioner Lex McCulloch says education is vital for protecting the health and safety of young workers.

“The more education we can give our young people on workplace safety and health the better, especially when they’re going into real workplaces for the first time,” Mr McCulloch said.

“The updated SmartMove package includes instructions for teachers, and can be completed online by whole classes or individually as homework, or it can be downloaded and printed off for students.

“Students who register on the website read the material provided then complete a quiz to receive a certificate.

“The new initiative for students is the SmartMove Safety Passport, a pocket-sized folder students can fill with cards displaying the units they have completed.

“They can then present this Passport to prospective host employers as proof that they have a good grounding in workplace safety and health.

“Already the schools that use SmartMove will not allow students to go into workplaces until they have completed the program. In addition, there are retail outlets that require a SmartMove certificate before they allow students to work in their stores.

“The new package also incorporates text-to-speech technology for students with special needs, and a module specifically designed for students with learning difficulties.”

Full details of the various classes and topics are available on the WorkSafe WA website.