5 Ways to Improve Employee Safety Training

Keeping employees motivated and engaged with safety training is extremely important. If someone slips up or shows even a little bit of complacency, it can put your whole team at risk for an accident or an injury. Not only is this bad for business, it is extremely dangerous. Safety, on any job site, should be the top priority.

Winter is coming, and no, that’s not just a TV show quote – it’s a reality. Winter weather will be on it’s way shortly, bringing about snow, ice, sleet, rain, and other inclement weather. This makes working outdoors all the more dangerous, creating slick conditions that can be difficult to navigate or traverse. Not to mention bitter wind chills and below freezing temperatures. This means that your employees will need to stay sharp and on their toes regarding their safety. 

However, you have a job to do in spite of all that, one that is necessary to keep people functioning. So how do you motivate your employees about safety and keep them engaged during training? Keep reading to find out more!

1.) Bridge Gaps in Knowledge 

There exists a gap in knowledge that any training should seek to fill: the area between what the employee already knows and what they need to know. While certain topics should be covered as a review, especially if they are a part of a state license or a mandated regulation, trying to ‘teach’ people what they already know can come across as dull as well as insulting. This is why taking the time to ensure what the baseline amount of knowledge is will show that you put in the effort and don’t want to waste anyone’s time. 

Once you’ve identified what they already know, figure out what it is that they are required to learn. Has a new set of rules been issued? Are you adding a new set up of septic pump trucks to your fleet that they need training on? Once you’ve identified this, you’re sure to create a quality and engaging training program.

 

2.) Make It Interactive

Just like back in high school, no one wants to sit at a desk and stare at a PowerPoint while someone drones on and on. These formal training sessions do have their time and place, but if you are learning about something hands-on, it is always best to make the training interactive as well. This will give them real-world experience with whatever it is that they are learning and increase their chances of walking away and retaining the information.

Plus, this also offers up a great time to have your employees work as a team. They can talk, collaborate, and come up with solutions by problem solving together. This is what they would need to do in the field, so this is great practice. It also builds up communication skills between team members. 

 

3.) Use Multiple Resources

In any construction related field, burn out can be very high. If you are a small business or organization, you may only have one trainer on staff. That can be a lot of work to handle! However, mixing things up every once in a while will not only keep things fresh, but it will also offer up a new perspective for employees.

For example, if you’ve been using the same training program or person for the last several years or so, it might be time to switch things up. Do some research and see what is available in your area. Also, in light of the global pandemic, there are many training that are available online and can be given virtually. Speakers and trainers from around the country can be available via Zoom or other video conferencing services to assist. Having access to this sort of wealth of information is a real game changer.

 

4.) It’s Not Just About Compliance

There is a reason these rules and measures exist, and that’s to keep folks alive and injury free on the job. However, it can be easy to get lost in the red tape and rulebooks, leaving people feeling like it’s nothing more than regulation. Unfortunately, the possibility of injuries and deaths on job sites are a harsh reality and you need to remind employees that this is all about them and their well-being.

When hosting a training, talk about concerns and listen to what people are saying. Take the time and go the extra mile to ensure that your employees feel cared for and heard. You can have the top fleet of septic pump trucks in the world, but without the proper people to man them, your business isn’t going anywhere. Reiterate the importance of safety because it protects the people on the job site.

 

5.) Provide Continuing Support

Once the training is done and your employees are headed back out for the day, don’t leave them feeling like support only exists inside the training room. Remind them that you are here for them every step of the way, and if they have additional questions once they head back out to never hesitate to ask. 

Building this sort of trust and camaraderie between you and your employees will go a long way in ensuring that safety is a top priority among your crew. After all, if they feel comfortable asking questions, then the more likely they are to come forward if and when they come across issues. 

Wrap Up

Safety training is an essential part of running any type of business. If you work with heavy machinery and operate complex equipment such as septic pump trucks, then keeping employees safe is all the more important, especially as winter sets on. 

While state mandates and various regulations are an important reason to keep your team up-to-date on various trainings, the key reason is simple: because you care about your employees and want to protect them from harm. Mix things up and keep your team on their toes. After all, just about anything can happen in the field and they need to be prepared.