Prevention of work-related diseases by teachers Development of teaching materials concerning skin diseases using the example of epoxy resin processing training professions in vocational schools

Abstract

Background Due to their technical properties, epoxy resins (synthetic resins) are used in many occupations. Because of their high allergy potential, adequate skin protection during processing is of great importance. Teachers at vocational schools can act as multipliers so that trainees gain the necessary knowledge and skills while learning a profession and internalize skin protection as a natural part of work routines. Objectives The conceptual project ``EpoxSafe@School'' aimed to develop teaching materials for the prevention of epoxy resin-related skin diseases for vocational schools, based on the state of scientific knowledge and adapted to the needs of teachers. Materials and methods In the course of the project, the requirements and needs of teachers with regard to teaching materials produced by third parties were surveyed in two focus group discussions. The results were taken into account in the didactic construction of the materials. Furthermore, research (e.g., on evidence, on the setting of vocational schools) was carried out as a basis for the development of the materials. Results and conclusions The teachers specified the following requirements for materials developed by third parties: methodological variability, flexibility and changeability, exemplariness, closeness to everyday life, occupational relevance, and consideration of the curricular framework. The materials developed against this background (e.g., pupil/teacher texts, worksheets, experiments) have been freely available since the end of the project. For the future, studies on the evaluation of the materials by teachers and trainees as well as on the practical application and their possible effects are recommended.