Four Ways to Revitalize Your Safety Training Program
Safety training can quickly become old hat for employees, especially for the areas that must be reviewed annually. That can become a problem if workers simply check the requirement off without applying it to the specifics of their work environment. Safety training seeks to reduce injuries and disability claims among workers, while also maintaining a safe work environment for all employees. Of course, the success of any program depends on several factors, but by implementing these four training practices, you can encourage employees to engage more effectively with the safety information they receive.
1. Conduct a Job Hazard Analysis
A job hazard analysis looks for potential risks in the work environment by conducting a step-by-step assessment of each job and the way in which it is performed. It’s especially important to analyze new jobs, new equipment, and new procedures for any non-compliant elements or any new safety hazards that didn’t exist before. A close look at your accident history, including instances where an accident could have occurred but didn’t, can help identify high risk positions that need to be addressed in terms of new safety measures or increased training. Even if you have performed a job hazard analysis in the past, your business can benefit from regular re-evaluations as positions and procedures change.
2. Encourage Employee Feedback
Training should be a two-way street. As you assess safety hazards in the workplace, your employees can provide valuable insight into the nature of each job and any associated risks. During the job hazard analysis, employees can make sure nothing gets overlooked and can provide feedback about potentially risky situations even if no accidents have occurred. You can also consider creating a system that allows employees to report potential hazards quickly and easily. Involving employees in the safety identification process will not only help identify hazards before they result in injury, but will also encourage employees to take ownership of the safety program by implementing their training in concrete ways.
3. Train Supervisors
Supervisor specific training can reduce new disability claims by 47% according to a study conducted by the Liberty Mutual Research Institute for Safety. By training supervisors to promote problem solving and to encourage communication among employees, businesses can create a more personal environment in which workers are more likely to speak up when they see hazards. When managers demonstrate a commitment to providing a safe workplace, employees will be more likely to make safety a priority as well. The study also found that workers returned to work faster when supervisors communicated with them and made ergonomic improvements to accommodate their needs.
4. Utilize Resources from Your PEO
If you have partnered with a PEO, your provider can deliver a wealth of training information to help you create a well-rounded safety program. Most PEOs offer both online training videos and on-site training workshops, depending on the needs of your organization. Your PEO can also help you conduct an analysis of current policies and practices to ensure that you meet OSHA guidelines for compliance.
When employees engage and take ownership of the safety within their own work areas, statistics show that the incidence of work-related injuries decreases. The problem is that safety training can easily become just another item to check off the to-do list. By encouraging communication, utilizing available resources, and promoting interaction with direct supervisors, you can help your employees place greater value on practicing safe work habits and reducing the risk associated with many of the tasks performed at your organization every day.
