Keeping a safe and healthy work environment is essential for any organization. Not only does workplace safety training help to prevent accidents and injuries, but it also creates a culture of respect for employees and their well-being.
This article will give a quick overview of workplace safety training and will discuss the different types available. We'll review why it's important, how much it can cost, and where to find affordable options.
For smaller organizations, we want you to understand the benefits of workplace safety training and the factors that affect its cost. We want you to get the best value for your money when investing in employee safety.
Overview of workplace safety training
Workplace safety training is an essential component of any organization's safety compliance. It helps to create a safe working environment and prevent accidents by preparing employees to manage potential risks in their workplace.
This type of training can include topics like hazard identification, machine safety, ergonomics, fire safety, and chemical safety. Additionally, employers are legally bound to provide workplace safety training for their employees in certain jurisdictions.
In other articles, we look at how to address workplace safety topics in a meeting, as well as some workplace safety topics that need more attention. We want to use those articles to add more context to the importance of safety in your work environment.
Now, let's dig a bit deeper into different types of workplace safety training.
Types of workplace safety training
Depending on your workplace environment, there are a variety of types of safety training available for organizations depending on their needs. These can range from general awareness programs covering basic issues such as emergency response, to more specific courses focusing on hazardous materials or machine guarding.
Training can be delivered in many different formats, including seminars, online courses, or blended learning solutions combining both offline and online elements. The topics covered in safety curriculums will likely vary based on the industry.
Let's highlight some of the most common types of workplace safety training. These types would be the easiest to find, regardless of environment.
Workplace ergonomics
This might sound far-fetched, but ergonomics injuries can be a real problem for your business. Office work ought to be considered safer than oil rig work, but ergonomics should be treated seriously.
Also known as musculoskeletal disorders, ergonomics injuries accounted for 34% of all workplace injuries that resulted in days away from work in 2012. In a 2000 US Dept. of Labor statement, direct costs attributable to ergonomics injuries were between $15 to $20 billion per year.
The image below shows sprains, strains, and tear cases by event/exposure and part of the body. Ergonomics in the workplace should be taken seriously to help employees stay safe.
Safe lifting techniques
As shown in the image above, the back is the most affected area of the body. Back injuries would dramatically reduce if safe lifting techniques were stressed in the workplace.
Something as simple as lifting a box of files should be carefully considered before taking action. Knowing how much weight is in the box can help you decide whether to carry it or use a cart or dolly instead. If you decide to carry it, understanding to lift and lower it using your legs instead of your back is the priority.
Employee health resources
In years past, health resources available to employees would be found in a small HR pamphlet. There might even be a small section in the employee handbook that identified related information.
Today, however, these attempts won't cut it. Employers know the value of helping their employees maintain a healthy lifestyle. They're also more aware of the environmental impacts on each employee's mental health.
Employees are facing big challenges today. Single-income households, childcare, inflation, etc. all contribute to stress on employees. This stress often shows up in their work in the form of low engagement and poor performance, among other things. Employers that prioritize employee health, both physical and mental, can help to reduce the costs of solving such problems later.
Factors that impact cost of workplace safety training
When it comes to workplace safety training, cost is an important factor to consider. The type of training, as well as the number of employees needing to be trained, all have an impact on overall costs.
To help keep costs down, local workshops are a great option for accessing quality training without breaking the bank. Hosting a learning session offsite can break up the monotony of the workday. Using a local venue can also help to support other local businesses.
Alternatively, online courses offer a flexible and cost-effective solution, while blended learning solutions provide a tailored approach with both online and offline components. We recommend considering what your employees would be most responsive to when weighing these options.
In addition to looking at the types of courses available, businesses should also research any grants or subsidies available to them. These resources could be local or national authorities that may help reduce overall costs associated with workplace safety training programs.
You should also consider whether certification is needed and if there are follow-up activities that need to be completed after training has finished. A great resource for available options for training grants and funding can be found here.
Where to find affordable workplace safety training
There are a variety of affordable options available that can fit the needs of your organization. Local workshops, seminars, and online courses may all provide reliable instruction and content on safety in the workplace. Moreover, employers may have their own in-house programs or discounted rates through professional organizations. Some of the top providers to consider include:
National Safety Council
The National Safety Council wants safety to become a part of your workplace culture. They offer a wide range of options to suit your business. You can tailor the training they provide so it works best for your team.
See more information on their training here.
Occupational Safety & Health Administration
As mentioned, this entire federal department was created to help businesses administer safety programs at work. They offer a vast amount of resources, as well as host education centers for training to take place in person. They're also involved in supporting non-profit organizations get proper training through grants.
Find more information on their training here.
HSI
HSI is a leader in workplace safety training. They also provide software to help manage environmental health and safety. Their course library offering training across industries and types of safety is massive.
For more information on their training, go here.
Obtaining affordable workplace safety training should not prove too difficult. There are many options available to you and your business. Remember to take into account all of the factors we've addressed and your business and employees can all stay safe on the job.
Topics: Workplace Safety
