Improve Your Safety Training Through the Use of Technology
As injuries continue to occur and claims increase, employers are often left scratching their head as to why. That is because “Telling” is not training. Normagene Dmytriw, Senior Safety & Occupational Health Specialist, Broward County Government, Risk Management lead a discussion at the WCI’s 2017 Workers’ Compensation Educational Conference. As technology improves, and becomes more readily available and affordable, employers are looking to technology to provide creative and effective learning options.
Gamification advantages
- Fun
- Engaging
- Sense of achievement
Gamification disadvantage
- Winning over objectives
- Difficult to translate learners game progress to objectives
- Costs equipment costs and software costs
- OSHA
- Novelty wears off
Using simulators – a machine with a similar set of controls designed to provide a realistic imitation of the operation. There is virtual and manual.
Advantages of simulators
- Safe learning environment
- Unlimited attempts
- Retain information more efficiently
- Learners are more engaged
- Don’t have to wait for a real situation
- Feedback is immediate
Disadvantages
- Cannot fully re-create real life situations
- Cost purchase, updates and maintenance
- Not every situation can be included
- The results and feedback are only effective as the actual training provided
Webinars are virtual lectures or training sessions delivering a presentation to a large dispersed audience. If you are going to used webinars they are great for safety committees and to educate safety professionals on current issues but they are not OSHA compliant. Some advantages are convenience, affordable, efficient, and long term value. Some disadvantages are not all web browsers are the same, internet speed, mobile devices may not be ideal, not for compliance and participants are not engaged.
Training is vital to the success of your employees. It’s important to invest in training programs that teach your employees and create thought provoking ideas to make your safety programs more efficient.