Minister helps ShockProof! students
Release Date: 19 August 2009
Energy Minister Peter Collier has helped students at Goollelal Primary School in Kingsley understand the importance of being safe around electricity.
He joined a team from Western Power, as it presented its safety education program ShockProof! using role play, poster and real-life props to encourage active learning.
"Every year in Western Australia, hundreds of families are affected by the trauma associated with electrical shock, and most of these injuries are due to a lack of understanding of electrical safety," Mr Collier said.
To help address this life threatening issue, Western Power visits more than 150 schools each year, talking to thousands of students from kindergarten to Year 7 about being safe in their daily activities.
"By providing safety programs like Shockproof! Western Power is educating children to be more aware of the risks involved in their daily activities," the Minister said.
ShockProof! was delivered to 159 schools and 39,000 students in 2008. By the end of Term 3, 2009, the program would have reached more than 43,000 students and 154 schools, with more presentations to come by the end of this year.
Complementing the presentation, each teacher receives a support pack with resource materials, follow-up activities and a letter to parents informing them about the ShockProof! program, while the school library also receives a 'High Voltage' DVD, which highlights the key safety messages.
Western Power has a serious commitment to public safety and is involved in several initiatives to improve the level of education and awareness of safety in the community.
Each year Western Power supports the following:
- Royal Life Saving aquatic safety and event first aid services
- Safety in Schools Week
- Albany aerial water bomber
- National Electrical Contractors Assoc
- Volunteer Bushfire Brigade grants
- FESA Fire Fighting Awards
Contact us
If you have any questions regarding this media release please email us: media@westernpower.com.au
