News and Updates

Safety Training – A Cornerstone of Virtual Safety Manager




Preparing workers to work safely is a significant part of any company’s safety program. Many companies have witnessed that when workers work safely, a host of trickle down effects fall in their favor. Morale improves, productivity increases, absenteeism due to work-related illnesses or injuries decreases, and ultimately fewer workers compensation claims are filed, which is followed by lower workers compensation insurance premiums. Who wouldn’t want to experience these by-products of a safe working environment? Effective training is an opportunity to emphasize that workers are a valuable resource and safety programs exist to protect them, those with whom they work, and company assets.




Training should:
• Be site and task specific so employees know how to recognize hazardous situations they may face on a daily basis.
• Ensure that all employees understand the hazards to which they may be exposed.
• Demonstrate how employees can prevent harm to themselves and others from exposure to hazards.
• Identify responsibilities of safe work practices.

Consider the following regarding when and how workers should be trained:

• Time: Schedule training when employee learning can be maximized, when employees are fresh because tired employees may not retain as much information.
• Material: Material should be applicable to the specific worksite, not abstract or theoretical information that may not apply.
• Methods: Design training presentations for adult learners, including opportunities for interaction and demonstrations of important principles. Many workers retain more of what is seen than what is heard.
• Performance Assessments: Examinations are not an OSHA requirement, but they are very worthwhile. Participants tend to pay more attention if they know there will be an exam. Plus, testing emphasizes the most important learning points and reviewing exams reinforces learning while correcting any wrong answers.

Take advantage of a free 30-day trial of Virtual Safety Manager (VSM) and effectively prepare and track safety training at your facility.

• Assign employees to customized training groups based on the job they perform and the hazards they face at your facility.
• Offer training online so employees can complete training classes at convenient times, eliminating the need for shift adjustments, relief workers and overtime.
• Adapt VSM’s online training for oral presentations before a group.
• Assess employee knowledge and performance with a quiz in each training session.
• Add company-specific specific classes, which only your employees can access.
• Electronically track all training related information, such as who needs trained on a subject and when they need it.
  
  
To register for a 30-day trial of VSM, please contact tsmith@ibtinc.com. See for yourself what VSM can do for your safety training program.

See other Virtual Safety Manager News & Updates.