While safety training is essential, what truly matters is effective safety training. This refers to training that employees can comprehend and retain, which they can practice while on the job. Workplace safety training aims to minimise unsafe actions and increase safe actions, ultimately reducing near-misses, injuries, and illnesses. It also contributes positively to a company's overall bottom line. This is the desired outcome that all safety managers hope to achieve through their safety training programs.

What is workplace safety training?

Workplace legacy safety & consulting programs are created to equip workers with the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their job duties and procedures safely and responsibly, not only for themselves but also for their colleagues. 

Such training programs typically provide specific instructions and guidelines to help workers recognise, report, and manage hazards and incidents within the workplace. The goal is to ensure that employees know the risks associated with their job and are prepared to take necessary measures to mitigate them to maintain a safe working environment.

Why is it essential?

The workplace is a critical environment for workers but can also be hazardous. As such, employees must receive proper training to prevent accidents in the workplace.

Workplace safety training gives workers better understanding of their work environment and how to conduct themselves on the job. With this knowledge, workers are better equipped to perform their duties safely and take appropriate safety measures to prevent accidents.

Workplace injuries significantly threaten employers, impacting productivity and potentially affecting the bottom line. In addition, accidents can impact other workers, leading to decreased morale and motivation. Employers must provide a safe work environment and avoid negligence-related cases, making practical safety training crucial.

Benefits of workplace safety training include:

• Reduction in injuries, illnesses, and fatalities, 
• Increased productivity, improved morale and job satisfaction, 
• Decreased compensation and liability costs, 
• Decreased absenteeism and sick leave caused by workplace accidents,

  Enhanced brand image and reputation and improved business processes, products, and services.

Tips for practical workplace training 

• Conduct a Workplace Hazard Inspection

To ensure practical safety training, you must first identify the hazards that exist in your workplace. Conducting a job hazard analysis (JHA) is a great way to get started. This involves investigating a work area and looking for hazards associated with a particular job. Then, work to control those hazards by using the hierarchy of controls.

• Control Hazards to Create a Safer Workplace

Identifying hazards is not enough; you must also control them to make your workplace safer. Eliminating or reducing hazards is a better strategy than training workers to be safe in their presence. The hierarchy of controls can help in this regard, with PPE being a last resort. Learn more about the hierarchy of controls to understand better how to control hazards.

• Know Safety Training Regulations

It is essential to know the safety training requirements set by regulatory agencies like OSHA or MSHA. This helps you ensure compliance with the law and set a minimum standard for your safety training. You can find OSHA training requirements on their website, and MSHA has Part 46 and Part 48 safety training requirements.

• Use a Proven Safety Training Method

To deliver practical safety training, follow a proven and trusted method. The ANSI Z490.1 national standard is an accepted EHS training practice that provides a step-by-step method for safety trainers. You can use a free 60-page guide to practical EHS training to implement Z490.1.

• Use a Blended Learning Approach

Use a "blended learning" approach for safety training to deliver different training methods for different training needs. Combining online learning, safety consultants training, and field-based training can create an effective and comprehensive training program. Use an online eLearning course to introduce topics and follow up with instructor-led sessions for demonstrations and feedback.

When is workplace safety training required?

Starting workplace safety training with a job hazard analysis (JHA) is essential. This process involves identifying and controlling the hazards associated with a particular job. A JHA helps to eliminate or reduce hazards, making the workplace safer and reducing the need for safety training.

The hierarchy of controls provides a simple pattern to control hazards. Elimination, substitution, engineering controls, work practice controls, and PPE are the different control methods in the hierarchy. PPE is always a last resort and should be used with other controls.

Employers should also know the safety training requirements that regulatory agencies place on their work sites. Compliance with these regulations is crucial to ensure that employees receive adequate training, and it sets a minimum standard for training.

It's also vital to have a method for delivering safety training, and ANSI Z490.1 is a proven and trusted method for this purpose. A blended learning solution is also recommended, where different training delivery methods are used for different training needs.

Conclusion