Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers to train employees on the health and safety requirements of their job.

It is up to the employer to design, conduct, evaluate and revise the training they provide.  Job safety training is money well spent.  Safety training reduces injuries, creates better morale among workers and reduces workers’ comp costs.

OSHA training should follow these steps:

Step 1.  Determine if training is needed.  Training should be provided before an accident occurs.  Before they start a task, train employees on how to do the job and how to use equipment safely.

Step 2.  Identify training needs.  Start with a job hazard analysis. Develop a step-by-step process of the job being done. Look for critical areas, where is the employee most at risk.  Where could an employee be injured?  What can be done to protect employee from hazards?  For example, in a lifting situation, employee is taught to lift with legs not back or in a cutting situation, safety glasses may be required to protect eyes from dust or flying debris.

If you notice an increase in a specific type of injury, this is a clear indication that training is required to eliminate or reduce those types of accidents.

Watch employees.  Are they working safe?  Do you see unsafe acts?

Step 3.  Identify objectives.  What do you want your employees to learn?  Be specific.   For example:  After Back Safety Training employees should be able to perform lifts using proper lifting techniques.

Step 4.  Develop learning activities.  Will the training be provided individually or in a group?  What training method will be used; demonstration, lecture, or role playing?  What material will be used to provide training; videos, or power point?  Will you use an in house trainer or outside safety consultant?

Step 5.  Conduct the training. Training consists of  1) Provide overview of material; 2) Relate information to audience; and 3) Reinforce and summarize objectives and key points.  Better said, tell them what you’re going to tell them, tell them, and then tell them what you told them.

Step 6.  Evaluate effectiveness.  This can be done with student evaluations, supervisor observations and workplace improvements.

As you can see, providing effective safety training is complex.  Outsourcing safety training to M.R.S. OSHA Safety  (800-200-0888)  or other experienced, skilled instructors makes this simple for employers while providing top-notch training for employees. 

Whether you do the training yourself or outsource it, the main thing is to provide safety training.  Training protects not only your employees, but also your company.