A training program that merely tells workers the safety rules isn't going to translate into a top-notch safety culture. Even good training can be better, and you don't have to look very far to get help for improving your program.
We've all heard that safety starts at the top. Successful safety training efforts have the support of managers and supervisors. The training program is created from investments of both money and time. Managers provide the training budget used to obtain audio video equipment, software and hardware, contracts with outside training providers and other supplies. Supervisors adjust work schedules so employees can attend training sessions.
There are other ways to involve managers and supervisors in the training program:
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If managers and supervisors regularly attend safety training sessions and always follow safety rules when they're in production areas, their example inspires employees to take safety seriously;
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If managers include evaluations of training participation and overall safety performance in performance reviews, workers have more incentive to participate in and pay attention to training programs and other safety efforts;
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If supervisors provide reports on employees' safety performance to the safety trainer, refresher training can be targeted to where it's needed most; and
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When supervisors and managers have an expanded role in the training program, the program has a stronger foundation to support improvement.
PARTNER WITH EMPLOYEES
To improve training, let employees do more than just show up for class. Each worker has expertise and insight you can tap to improve your training program.
If the same trainers always conduct the training sessions, recruit employees to serve as your resident expert speakers. These temporary teachers may not want to facilitate an entire class, but having them give short, informal presentations will perk up your classes. The trainees will pay attention to a fresh face, and they'll be open to learn from someone who knows a job inside out.
Perhaps employees aren't getting the most out of your training sessions because the material isn't entirely relevant to your workers' day-to-day experiences. Ask some of your local experts to review the training program content. They likely will have some suggestions on how you can update the classes to include job-specific information you weren't aware of. Training that zeros in on the details of the job provides trainees with better information they can put to use.
A good way to evaluate your training program is to evaluate post-training employee job performance. Evaluations can be done shortly after the training program, but long-term retention and implementation of new skills is measured by evaluating employee performance several weeks or months after the training takes place.
Evaluations involve observations, which take time. Your resources may be stretched thin if you're the only person conducting evaluations. One solution is to have employees participate in the evaluation program. Armed with checklists and instructions, they can provide you with valuable feedback on the long-term effectiveness of the training program. Plus, the evaluation crew essentially gets refresher training while they conduct the evaluations.
LIVELY DISCUSSIONS
Employees learn more when they're engaged in the learning process. Some people learn by talking, so encourage classroom discussions. A good way to ensure everyone stays on topic is to structure the discussions around tabletop exercises and case studies. As you develop the training program, ask employees for suggestions on scenarios they'd like to explore. If you break up the class into small groups during these exercises, be sure to visit with each group to find out how well they can apply what they're learning to the hypothetical situation.
Improve your classes by letting employees learn from each other, too. Schedule time for employees to share their experiences with the topic. Don't let your long-time veteran employees do all the talking. Newer workers can offer fresh perspectives on how things were done at their previous jobs.
LEARN BY DOING
Let your classes continue in the production area. Improve the training program by conducting demonstrations, coaching employees as they practice new skills and setting up drills to gauge employee performance. These activities especially are beneficial if employees must learn to use new skills on the job.
Demonstrations give trainees the reference point they need to remember how to do something correctly. They see the big picture of how and why procedures are established the way they are.
Practicing new skills lets employees get the feel for how to do the job safely. They probably will make mistakes as they try new procedures, but they'll feel safe because a coach is there to prevent a catastrophe, offer encouragement and answer questions. Consider asking experienced employees or supervisors to serve as coaches.
Everyone is familiar with the fire drill. When the alarm sounds, it's a conditioned response to evacuate. Similarly, other procedures can lend themselves to drills. If the exercises are scheduled in advance, you'll give workers the chance to review instructions and prepare for the event. This reinforces learning. If the drills are unannounced, you'll see if your training program needs some improvement.
EMBRACE COMPUTER-BASED TRAINING
Computer use no longer is the domain of an elite few. Some of your younger workers probably can't remember a time when there wasn't a computer monitor on every desktop. Even if the trainees don't use a computer on the job, they likely use one at home. There's no longer any excuse for not using computer-based training methods.
Here are some tips for adding e-learning to your training environment:
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Use stand-alone, computer-based training programs to introduce safety topics. Employees can complete them before you hold classroom sessions to provide workplace-specific procedures and instructions.
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Have trainees attend webcasts on relevant topics. Many organizations offer free or low-cost online seminars that can help you provide supplemental training.
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Use video conferencing to help trainees at different locations share their knowledge.
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Use digital cameras to film some in-house videos or take photos to show during your classes. Presentation software programs make it easy to share your homemade productions, and in-house examples really can drive the point home.
Improving your training program by incoporating these techniques can contribute to better safety performance, communication and camaraderie in the workplace.
Judie Smithers is an editor for workplace safety with J. J. Keller & Associates Inc., Neenah, Wis.; 800-558-5011