17 Mar Safety Training – Effective Training Steps

Safety Training – Effective Training Steps

Safety training is most effective when it is properly prepared, clearly presented, actively practiced, and followed up in the workplace. Training should give employees the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize hazards and perform their work safely.

Guide for Discussion

Preparation

Effective training begins before the training session.

• Select a topic based on workplace needs and priorities.
• Give priority to:
  • Recent accidents, incidents, and near misses.
  • Identified hazards or unsafe conditions.
  • Observed deficiencies in employee knowledge or skills.
  • New or changed equipment, processes, or procedures.
  • Required or mandatory safety training.
• Review applicable company policies, procedures, and safe work practices.
• Make sure the information being presented is accurate and current.
• Understand the subject well enough to answer employee questions.
• Consider what employees already know and what they need to learn.
• Select a training location with minimal noise, interruptions, and distractions.
• Gather any tools, PPE, equipment, demonstrations, or other materials needed for the training.

Presentation

Explain the subject in a clear and organized manner.

• Tell employees what they are going to learn.
• Explain why the topic is important to their safety.
• Identify the hazards associated with the task or activity.
• Review applicable company requirements and safe work procedures.
• Explain procedures one step at a time.
• Demonstrate proper procedures when hands-on skills are involved.
• Use actual workplace examples whenever practical.
• Emphasize critical precautions and prohibited practices.
• Repeat or clarify information when necessary.

Training should be presented in a language and vocabulary employees can understand.

Employee Involvement

Employees should actively participate rather than simply listen to the presentation.

• Encourage questions and discussion.
• Ask employees to identify hazards associated with the task.
• Have employees explain important procedures in their own words.
• When appropriate, have employees demonstrate the required procedure or skill.
• Correct unsafe techniques immediately.
• Focus corrective feedback on the action or procedure rather than the individual.
• Allow employees to practice until they can demonstrate the required skill correctly and safely.

Verify Understanding

Attendance alone does not demonstrate that training was effective.

Depending on the subject, understanding may be verified through:

• Questions and answers.
• Verbal review.
• Written or oral quizzes.
• Hands-on demonstrations.
• Practical exercises.
• Observation of employee performance.

Employees should not perform work requiring specific knowledge or skills until they have demonstrated that they understand how to perform the work safely.

Follow-Up

Training should continue through workplace observation and reinforcement.

• Observe employees performing the task on the job.
• Confirm that required procedures are being followed.
• Provide constructive feedback.
• Correct unsafe practices promptly.
• Encourage employees to ask questions and report problems.
• Reinforce proper work practices when necessary.
• Reduce direct observation as employees demonstrate continued competency.

Retraining

Additional or refresher training should be provided when required or when circumstances indicate that an employee may no longer have the knowledge or skills necessary to perform the work safely.

Retraining may be necessary when:

• Workplace conditions change.
• New equipment, processes, or hazards are introduced.
• Procedures or regulatory requirements change.
• An employee demonstrates inadequate knowledge or unsafe performance.
• An accident, incident, or near miss indicates additional training is needed.
• Periodic refresher training is required by an applicable standard or company procedure.

Documentation

Required safety training should be documented according to applicable regulations and company procedures. Records may include the training date, subject, instructor, employees attending, and verification of competency when required.

Remember

Effective training is more than presenting information. Prepare carefully, explain the hazards and procedures, involve employees, verify understanding, and follow up to make sure safe practices are being applied on the job.