Abstract:

One of the main challenges geoscience students face is the transition from university life to industry, particularly in terms of occupational health and safety. In recent times, occupational safety and health have been recognized as critical priorities that must be addressed with utmost importance. The field of work for young engineers in geoscience includes high-risk sectors such as mining, the oil and gas industry, and geological exploration, so it is essential that graduates have proper training in the identification and prevention of occupational risks. However, not even one of the leading universities in Mexico currently has a plan of studies focused on this subject.

Despite knowing the risks to which they are exposed in the industry, students do not have a culture of safety or sufficient knowledge to face working conditions that involve some risk, which can lead to accidents, poor job performance and a higher rate of job desertion. This study aims to evaluate whether geoscience students in Mexico City have knowledge of hazards and risks in their future professional field and to analyze whether they have received enough training in occupational health and safety during their academic careers. To achieve this objective, a mixed qualitative and quantitative methodology was used to collect data through structured surveys and interviews with more than 100 students and graduates of geoscience-related careers in Mexico City. The instrument collected information on risk perception, accident records, safety and occupational health training, and knowledge of safety protocols. The quantitative analysis identified knowledge gaps and recurrent risk behaviours, while the qualitative analysis revealed a low culture of prevention and few specialized curricula. The results show that 78% of those surveyed are unaware of safety issues and have been exposed to some risk, while only 15% have received formal training in safety, and 85% consider it necessary to include a subject on occupational health and safety in academic programs. Based on these findings, a learning unit entitled “Occupational Safety and Health” was designed for the Geological Engineering program of the IPN; this model could be replicated in other scientific and engineering disciplines that do not have a specialized plan. The proposal includes weekly modules on risk assessment, legal regulations, preventive strategies and health promotion, supported by interactive methods such as case studies, workshops and fieldwork guides.

This analysis provides information that identifies the primary deficiencies in occupational health and safety education in the leading universities of Mexico City. The research offers concrete and sustained actions that make it possible to propose strategies for strengthening, optimizing and updating educational programs in geosciences, which will improve students' work performance and reduce the rate of occupational incidents and desertion.

Keywords:

Geoscience, Students, Education, Occupational safety, University-industry, Occupational health education, Professional development, Mexico.