Health and safety of students in vocational training in Quebec: a gender issue?

Abstract

Health and safety issues in a vocational training center were explored in this study. Several sources and methods were used: group interviews with students in traditionally female [F] and male [M] trades, i.e. hairdressing (7 F) and automated systems electromechanics (8 M, 1 F); self-administered questionnaires on injuries sustained at the school; observations of activities in these programs; and analysis of ministerial documents. Findings indicate that the partially divergent ways that OHS is addressed in these programs cannot be explained only by the specific characteristics of the two trades. Some aspects put female students in hairdressing at a disadvantage: status accorded to OHS in the study programs, learning activities, and conditions for learning and managing prevention and injuries. The discussion focuses on a genderdifferentiated analysis, the importance of improving the way OHS is addressed in the programs, in particular, those primarily involving female students, and the need to pursue research. In addition, the results from individual interviews with women (5 F) training for non-traditional trades lead to discussion on the interrelated effects of sex-based gender and professional gender.

Knowledge and Experiences of Risks among Pupils in Vocational Education

“…In a large literature review from Canada, the authors summarized that young people need a safe integration into the working life with respect to their age and health and safety at work [7] . A later study showed similar results [13] .…”

“…The literature also shows that training in occupational safety and health is crucial and must be included in apprenticeship programs to improve the situation. This applies to the form of teaching as well as the content being taught [3,12–14] .…”

Gender-Inclusive Educational Programs for Workforce Development

“…Unfortunately, the findings include the acknowledgment that gender disparity in vocational education and corresponding industries can be damaging to all. Chatigny, Riel, and Nadon (2012) found gendered behaviors, particularly masculine gender norms, resulted in safety risks that endangered everyone. In addition, Hodges (2013) identified women’s responsibility to forge their professional path forward without industry support, resulting in a sense of alienation affecting career choice.…”

Has the Electrical Laboratory of Subang State Polytechnic Applied Occupational Safety and Health? Evaluation Report in 2019

“…In the Chatigny study [2], teachers and students had a 27.33% chance of being injured in a laboratory. Strengthened by Basori [3], at the end Automotive Experiences 48 of 2017, there were 80,393 work accident cases in workshops and laboratories.…”