“Safety training is so boring”.  I hear this pretty regularly from clients and potential clients.  I have to admit that some of the topics can be “less than” exciting.  How about Hazcom with the GHS update? A snooze fest right?  How about Respiratory Protection Training?  Put me to sleep why don’t you?

When performing safety training, the trainer needs to try and involve his audience in the training topic.

For example I recently completed Hazcom training for a client.  As part of the training I handed out SDS sheets for a product that this particular group uses on a regular basis.  I structured the training around the product in the SDS, some type of duct glue.  During the training I would ask questions regarding this product in hopes that my audience would utilize the tools given to them for the training.

Safety training should be used as a tool to keep workers safe.  Companies have expectations for how to behave on the job so workers don’t get injured.  It is the same as expectations on how to complete your job so it can be billed to the client.  A plumber needs to know the proper method and tools needed to install pipe, fixtures, etc.  Without the proper tools, that job is going to be very difficult if not impossible to complete.

Without the proper training and resources (tools), it’s going to be very difficult to get your job done safely.    workers need the policies and procedures.  They also need the safety training to know what those expectations are.  The policies and procedures are there to back up the training, as most workers are not going to retain all of the knowledge from the training.   In addition to these items, it is always helpful to have someone reinforcing safety guidelines on a regular basis, maybe a safety director or a safety consultant.

Constant reinforcement of safety guidelines will help all workers throughout their days.  Once you start eliminating unsafe behaviors and actions, then you start to reduce the # of incidents and accidents.

Please contact Sagecar Solutions for any/all safety training.  Winter generally seems like a good time for safety training, as there are many contractors that slow down in the winter.

Thank you for your time!

Greg

People often ask me how do we get started with a safety program.  A great way to get going is jobsite/plant safety inspections.   The inspector will then be able to get a good handle on the safety practices of the field personnel.

An informed inspector will eliminate the immediate hazard(s) and will attempt to educate and counsel jobsite personnel so that they can behave more safely in the future.

The thing is, if the company is performing regular safety inspections, workers on the sites will generally stay on their toes, as they will not want to have to answer to safety infractions on a weekly basis, at least that is the common practice.

Along with the site inspection, the inspector should complete an inspection report.  We happen to use an app called IAuditor, but their are others.  The site inspection memorializes the inspection.  Hopefully no one will ever need to go back and pull these inspection reports once filed (that would mean there has been a negative issue or injury on the site).

Ultimately the goal is to have fewer incidents on jobsites.    Workers need to be educated on the hazards, and how to recognize and eliminate them.    The follow up on the jobsite hazards may include the start of a safety training program…see our next article.

Thank you

I am constantly speaking with clients and prospects about the need for safety in the work place.  Many of my prospects generally start the first meeting with “this client (or prospect) of ours has some pretty detailed safety requirements and we could really use your help.  Another reason for the first meeting might be that the prospect has been going so long without an organized program, they feel their luck is running out.

I am a business owner, so of course I am always willing to listen and help out anywhere and with every available opportunity.

That said, many companies have their reasons for implementing safety programs.   The reasons above are, of course valid, and their are many other reasons that might include pressure from insurance companies, past OSHA citations, higher than normal work comp rates, etc.

Whatever the reason for implementing a safety program…that’s OK; just as long as the program is implemented.  ALL workers have the right to go to work and not fear for their safety.  Not only should companies provide a safe working environment, they are required to be safe by law.  OSHA requires all companies to provide a safe work environment for their workers.

Look, from my prospective, the best companies in the construction industry, are not only good at their specific trade (pouring concrete, welding, heating and air condition, etc.) but they are also keeping their workers safe.  Their employees go to work most days with a plan to perform their jobs safely.   That’s right, they have a plan to work safely.  The key is having a plan…if you haven’t figured that out.

The first step in commencing a safety program in your organization is having a need and a desire to be safe (the reason does not have to be that important).  Then you must have management buy in.  Successful safety programs start at the top (owner, top manager, or someone in a top leadership position)…lead by example.  Depending on your industry (mine is mostly construction and general industry) the next step is having policies and programs.  Once the policies are in place you need to train your workers in the expectations of those policies.

This is my first of many blogs.  I hope you enjoyed it.  My passion is working to help keep people safe.  If the “prize” is providing a safe work environment, then everything else will fall into place.

Thank You!

Greg Rothbardt, Sagecar Solutions