Developing an Effective Safety Training Program

The speaker for this 2016 WCI session was Normagene Dmytriw, CPSI, CPLP, Senior Safety and Occupational Health Specialist, Broward County Government, Risk Management Safety and Occupational Health Section.

This presentation discussed the five critical steps needed for an effective safety training program. Safety training is an investment that when done well, improves the overall safety of the workforce, resulting in fewer accidents, incidents, and workers’ compensation claims. In order for safety training to deliver a high value to an organization and to its workers, it must be a comprehensive program.

The five steps in an effective safety training program are a needs assessment, setting training objectives, training creation, training delivery and evaluation.

Needs Assessment – This involves a good performance analysis. Ask – Is this a training issue? Are employees performing to an established standard? Training cannot improve improper procedures, inadequate staffing or external threats. You must also identify who needs training and to what degree – a people analysis. Finally, look at current state and future state to develop further goals.

Training Objectives – The more specific you make you training objectives the better the outcome. Also tie them to the ultimate goal of your safety training program.

Training Creation – When creating your training, there are different learning preferences (auditory, visual, kinesthetic – VAK learning styles). Telling is not training! Accommodate all three learning styles for the most effective training.

Also, in any adult learning principle, you must also think about WIIFM (what’s in it for me?). Communicate this in your training, make it applicable and keep it real.

Tips:

• Summarize important points
• Allow time for questions
• Include case studies, games
• Role play

Training Delivery – Here, think of your room configuration (U-shape good for most), comfort (temperature 72 degrees), screen visibility, lighting, volume, etc. Make the environment appropriate for a great learning experience! Creating a safe learning environment is also essential.

Assessment and Evaluation – This is the last stage. Ask – Did knowledge transfer take place? A pre and post evaluation is a good idea here. Interviews and formal observations may also be used. Finally, analyze results. Make sure the training has a measurable impact.