By Pip Osborne | Kaiārahi
When it comes to Health and Safety in workshops, Trident High School in Whakatāne is leading the way. During my recent visit, I saw firsthand the outstanding systems and culture they have built. So good, in fact, that they received a “blank piece of paper” from WorkSafe following their inspection. That’s the highest praise possible: no issues raised, no improvements required.
Their success is built on simple, smart, and innovative practices that make safety second nature for students and staff. Here’s a look inside their Wood Technology and Engineering workshops.
Wood Technology: Simple Systems, Outstanding Results
In the wood workshop, Trident has developed a clever, cost-effective approach to machinery safety.
The “No Fingers on Red” System
Every machine has been clearly marked with red zones showing where hands should never go. Students are taught one simple rule: no fingers on red! It’s an instant, visual reminder that reduces the risk of injury.
Clear Floor Markings
Red tape outlines safe zones around every machine and marks clear pathways through the workshop. Only one person is allowed in a machine zone at a time, and the movement of people around the space flows naturally and safely. Even I found myself instinctively following the tape without needing to think about it.
Practical and Cost-Effective
What’s most impressive is how accessible these solutions are. Red paint, floor tape, and clear signage combined with strong routines have created an incredibly safe environment without expensive technology.
A Culture of Safety
Signage reminds students to “Always Wear Glasses” and “Use a Push Stick if Too Small,” embedding safe practice into everyday routines.
Engineering: Investing in Safety Innovation
The Engineering workshop at Trident takes things even further, bringing real-world engineering thinking into the classroom, with significant investment to match. The total system, including development and installation, cost around $8,000 which was designed by their very clever Engineering Teacher who has since moved onto another school (probably to invent new and amazing systems!). They indicated that future installations could be cheaper, although “what cost do you put on safety?”
Traffic Light Gas Safety System
A traffic light indicator shows what gas is currently in use, allowing everyone in the workshop to instantly assess the environment’s safety.
Automatic 10-Minute Gas Shut-Off
The acetylene and oxygen lines are connected to a 10-minute timer. Students must return to the control board to restart the gas flow, preventing unattended or forgotten equipment use. Emergency stop buttons and shut-off systems are highly visible, easy to use, and backed up by clear signage, ensuring students can act quickly in an emergency.
Backflow Protection
Gas lines have backflow valves installed to prevent any flashback fire from reaching the outdoor gas cylinders — a simple but critical safety feature.
Custom Acetylene Monitoring System
Above the workstations is a one-of-a-kind acetylene monitoring system with alarm warnings The monitor, imported from the United States at a cost of $700, ensures early warning of any unsafe gas levels.
Why It Matters
Trident High School proves that exceptional Health and Safety isn’t always about spending big — but when it comes to critical environments like Engineering, they’ve shown that smart investment in student and staff safety is worth every cent. Through a combination of simple visual systems, real-world engineering, and innovative thinking, they’ve created a safe, professional environment where students are set up for success.
Congratulations to the Trident team — you are setting the gold standard for workshop safety in New Zealand education!
Thank you to the team at Trident High School for welcoming me into your workshops and sharing your incredible work. It was inspiring to see the pride and care you put into creating such a safe, professional environment for your students. Your innovation and commitment to excellence are a model for schools across Aotearoa. Pip Osborne, Kaiārahi