To keep all workers safe on the job, it’s vital to find effective ways to help employees with special needs get the most out of safety training. Here are some helpful tips.
Safety training is supposed to help workers understand how to work safely and motivate them to use what they learn on the job. That’s a pretty tall order for all supervisors and workers. But the challenge is even greater when workers have special needs. It’s not unusual for supervisors to have to train workers who have:
- Hearing impairments
- Minimal reading ability, though they speak and understand English
- Learning disabilities
These workers have several things in common. They’re all likely to miss important points during safety meetings. They’re also all likely to try to hide their lack of understanding—perhaps even from themselves. In fact, people with learning disabilities or hearing impairments may not even know they have a problem.
Hearing Impaired
People with hearing impairments depend a lot on lip reading. Give them seats up front in a meeting. Always face your audience as you talk. If you have to turn to point at something, stop and point and say nothing. Then turn toward the group again to complete your explanation.
It is especially important to speak slowly and to enunciate clearly. This will make it easier for someone who is lip reading or who combines lip reading with limited hearing.
Written materials also help people with hearing issues. Before the meeting, provide a copy of the handout or even your own outline. They then can follow along as you speak.
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Literacy
Workers who can’t read or read at a minimal level are more common than you think. Millions of native-born Americans can’t read or write English well, if at all.
These workers will get more out of safety meetings that feature simple language, audiovisuals, and demonstrations. They have usually developed an impressive ability to concentrate and memorize to disguise their inability to read.
But like non-English speakers, they will work more safely, productively, and confidently if they learn to read and write.
Most communities have classes for people who need to increase these important skills. Your company may want to sponsor them on-site or refer people to local programs.
One caution, however. People who can’t read or write are often very sensitive and defensive. Don’t single individuals out or use the word “illiterate.” Instead, point out that staying safe today requires everyone to become more comfortable with written technical information. Emphasize the value that you and the company put on upgrading such skills. Explain the community’s resources available to improve the skills that will help them in their daily lives.
Learning Disabilities
Learning disabilities are very varied. You may not know who has one or what type of disability a person has.
Don’t try to diagnose learning problems. Instead, use an indirect approach when, for example, you announce a safety meeting. Emphasize that this is something everyone must know and understand. Explain that you realize everyone processes information differently. Ask workers to talk with you privately if they want written back-up materials, permission to tape safety meetings, one-on-one reviews, etc.
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Training for a Diverse Workforce:
You Want It, We’ve Got It!
Unlike many training solutions available on the market today, BLR’s Employee Training Center courses are routinely reviewed and updated to reflect changes in federal regulations or best practices. Each training course is developed by BLR lawyers, industry experts, and instructional designers who have experience across a wealth of industries, topics, and compliance areas.
Courses keep participants of all abilities and learning styles interested with engaging audio, built-in exercises, and key points to remember. At the completion of every course, individuals take a quiz designed to test for competency in all the course material presented. Quiz results and course completion times are automatically recorded.
Every course can be tailored with supporting and custom documents. BLR provides supporting documents for courses that include complete slide show notes and the answer key for the included quiz. As the administrator, you have the option of displaying uploaded documents and requiring review before the session begins. This is especially useful for company policies or worksite-specific information. Supporting materials can be added, edited, or removed at any time.
With only a few minutes’ setup, you company will have a complete Web-based training program with professionally developed courses, employee testing capabilities, and systematic documentation of employee training sessions and scores. And remember, BLR® Employee Training Center courses can be delivered at individual employee desks, in computer centers, at training kiosks, or even in a classroom.
No wonder BLR Employee Training Center was named "Best Workforce Training Solution" by the Software Information Industry Association. It can help you launch a cost-effective and successful employee training program.
We urge you to sign up for a no-obligation demo by visiting the new Employee Training Center. Or, feel free to call our customer service people toll-free at 866-696-4827.
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