You could have the best safety training program on the planet, but if your employees aren’t engaged with the program, they won’t be safer after training. That’s why our Safety Training Tips editor says that motivating employees to take part in training is key.
Of course, many safety training sessions are mandatory, but just getting bodies into the seats doesn’t ensure that you have their minds and attention, too.
First, impress on employees the importance of safety training. You can use the statistics in the "Why It Matters" section of this newsletter, which come straight from OSHA. Make it more personal by telling trainees about accidents, incidents, injuries, and illnesses that have occurred in your workplace. Maintain confidentiality of those involved, but give some details to help trainees see the dangers in your workplace.
Next, make clear the reasons for safety training. You want to enable employees to work safely and go home healthy at the end of each shift. You need to comply with government safety regulations. The savings you realize in medical costs and workers’ compensation insurance can be put back into the company through salaries and investment in new equipment, etc.
Lay out the specific goals of each training session. Define your safety goals at the start of training, tick them off as you go through the session, and reinforce them again to wrap up training. People like to know where they’re going and they like to see progress.
Take regular breaks to encourage interaction throughout training. Ask if there are any questions about what has been covered so far. Give a quick pop quiz. If appropriate, give trainees a chance to practice a safety technique. Or get a volunteer to do a demonstration.
Stay positive and encouraging. Establish a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere that takes safety seriously but doesn’t make it tedious or boring. For example, treat all questions with respect and make sure the questioner understands the answer before moving on. Handle wrong answers as teaching moments and not chances to embarrass anyone. Thank the trainee for speaking up and making the point, but clearly state the correct answer.
Give rewards as appropriate. Some rewards can be earned and some by chance. An example of an earned reward would be giving each trainee a certificate of completion at the end of a session. A chance award could be placing a gift card under one chair and at some point in the session, ask people to check their chairs. Or you could give out small gifts, such as bite-sized candy bars or a company logo mug, to trainees who participate in the discussion.
Why It Matters…
- Each year, approximately 6,000 U.S. workers die from workplace injuries.
- 50,000 workers die from illnesses caused by exposure to workplace hazards.
- 6 million workers suffer non-fatal workplace injuries.
- Non-fatal workplace injuries cost U.S. businesses more than $125 billion.
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Our Safety Training Tips editor says that in order for your safety training to be effective, you need to have clear communication with trainees.
If your organization has cut—or is thinking of cutting—its training budget during these hard economic times, tell the top brass to think again. Experts say that’s probably the worst move they could make.