What separates strong safety training from ho-hum efforts? Experts say it’s mastery of these four elements.
In yesterday’s Advisor, we began a discussion of what the “Trainer’s Corner” experts in our sister publication, OSHA Compliance Advisor, say makes an effective safety trainer.
Previously, we covered the preparation phase of training, specifically in deciding on what and whom to train. Today, let’s cover the elements that will make that training acceptable and retainable.
“Trainer’s Corner” suggests that, to teach adult trainees, 4 factors are key:
All the safety training you need in one program: 25 subjects in all. One low price. It’s BLR’s Safety Training Presentations. Try it at no cost. Click for details.
Motivation. Like a door, the mind has to be opened before any new information can enter. The key to getting it open, say our experts, is relevance. What you’re learning about has to be identifiable and important to you. Just as you’d more likely read a news story about your town than one on, say, some far-off island, your trainees will more readily accept information about their department, their equipment, their work process, and all of it discussed using their names. It pays to refer to all these familiarities early and often.
Reinforcement. One tool for keeping that mental door open is the possibility of achievement. Turn your training session into a contest trainees can win. Issue small prizes or even call for applause for correct answers and you’ve moved the needle on reinforcement. Quizzes are a more formal way to do the same.
Retention. Training is of little use if the information is forgotten. Make it more memorable by letting trainees try their new skills, either individually, or through a surrogate chosen from the group. Other interactions such as encouraging questions increases engagement, too, as does providing handouts and other takeaways.
Transference. This is educator-speak for putting new skills right to work, back on the job. Transference is enhanced by the immediate use of new skills … something you might want to arrange with area supervisors. Having them see what’s been learned in action will also make it more likely that the skills will be reinforced by these bosses.
Who Has the Time to Do It?
All this presupposes, of course, that you’re working with top-notch training materials.
For trainers forced to make their own, this is a roadblock. Most don’t have the time to create truly professional presentations.
If you fall into this category (and who doesn’t!), we’d suggest a look at BLR’s Safety Training Presentations program. It’s an amazing tool that provides ready-to-use safety materials for a wide range of common topics, at a very attractive price per session.
The word ‘Presentations’ in the program name is a plural for 25 reasons; There are 25 separate PowerPoint prewritten safety meetings, every one responsive to either an OSHA training requirement or the topic being a key cause of accidents. All are customizable so you can add your specific hazards or safety policies. Topics covered include:
- Back Safety
- Bloodborne Pathogens
- Electrical Safety
- Emergency Action
- Ergonomics
- Fire Prevention
- PPE
- Welding/Cutting/Brazing
- Portable Power Tool Safety
- Scaffolds
- Hazard Communication
- Lockout/Tagout
- Forklift Operator Safety
- Confined Space Safety
- Fall Protection
- Respiratory Protection
Try Safety Training Presentations at no cost and no risk. Click for details.
Each lesson also includes interactive exercises, quizzes, completion certificates, sign-in sheets, evaluation forms, and training records. In short, everything you need to motivate, reinforce, retain and transfer new knowledge, and document that you did. You can see samples of some of the materials by clicking on the links below.
Of course, training needs change as OSHA introduces new requirements, or new work practices and technology bring new hazards. To cover this, you receive a new CD every 90 days you’re in the program, each containing 5 additional topics. Just as important, for those on a budget (and who isn’t these days?), the cost of these presentations averages under $20 each.
We’ve arranged for Advisor subscribers to get a no-cost, no-obligation look at Safety Training Presentations, for 30 days. Feel free to try a few lessons with your own trainees. Click here and we’ll be glad to arrange it.
Safety Training Presentations Sample Materials
Download multiple slide sample