Every year, incredible numbers of workplace accidents occur. In 2022 alone, 2.8 million non-fatal workplace injuries were reported by private industry employers. The National Safety Council reported an increase in preventable work deaths in 2021 due to a 5% increase in hours worked to make up for lost time during the pandemic.
We think much of these statistics could have been prevented with proper workplace safety training. Despite the importance of workplace safety training, many companies struggle to provide effective programs.
This blog post will discuss the top 5 problems with workplace safety training in 2024. We also hope to offer solutions to help you overcome these challenges and provide for the safety of your employees. By addressing these issues, companies can create a safer work environment and protect their employees from accidents and injuries.
First, let's get our priorities straight.
Training isn't prioritized
It's sad, but true.
Many businesses consider their work environments safe, so it can be easy to spend less time focused on safety training. But a 2021 report suggests that maybe they should.
In June of 2021, AllVoices ran a survey of 889 full-time employees in the United States. A key finding was that 52% of respondents reported experiencing unsafe work conditions. The biggest issues that were reported were:
- Exposed wiring
- Slippery walkways
- Unmarked exits
This report doesn't state that most businesses are failing with workplace safety training. It does highlight how employees feel about their work environment and adds great context to the discussion.
The truth is that it's hard to prioritize workplace safety training over the day-to-day operation of a business. This is especially true if many leaders view their workplace as generally safe. But there is an old saying that might fit here:
You can't manage what you can't measure.
If you don't think your workplace is unsafe, you won't prioritize workplace safety training. And if you don't prioritize workplace safety training, someone on your team could get seriously hurt.
So, make workplace safety training a priority.
Training isn't engaging
Hopefully now you can see the value in workplace safety training.
If you're deciding to make it a priority, make sure it's engaging. If you're looking for a good workplace safety training program, see this article.
A workplace safety training program that isn't engaging can have the same effect as if you didn't do anything at all. This can lead to employees losing interest and not remembering the information they need to stay safe. There are several reasons why safety training might not be engaging, including:
A focus on theory rather than practical application
Many safety training programs focus on teaching employees about safety regulations and procedures, which is better than nothing. But they don't provide enough opportunities for employees to practice what they've learned. This can make it difficult for employees to apply their knowledge in the real world.
Lack of interactivity and hands-on activities
Safety training programs that are simply lectures or PowerPoint presentations can be boring and ineffective. Employees are more likely to remember information when they are actively involved in the learning process. Hands-on activities and interactive exercises can help employees better understand and remember safety procedures.
Instructors who lack enthusiasm or expertise
Safety training instructors should be passionate about safety and have a good understanding of the material they are teaching. Instructors who are not enthusiastic or knowledgeable can make safety training boring and ineffective. Boring and ineffective training means the information likely isn't remembered.
Training sessions that are too long or not well-paced
Safety training sessions should be long enough to cover the necessary material, but they should not be so long that employees lose interest. Training sessions should also be paced so that employees have time to absorb the information they are being taught.
Beyond making workplace safety training and priority, and making it engaging too, training should be relevant. If the information isn't relevant to an employee, why would they pay attention to it? Let's touch on relevance next.
Training isn't tailored to specific roles or industries
Training that is not tailored to specific roles or industries is another common problem with workplace safety training. While we've talked about safety topics we think need more attention, trainings should stay relevant. One-size-fits-all training programs often fail to address the unique risks and hazards associated with different jobs or industries.
For example, a safety training program for construction workers will not be relevant to office workers. Similarly, a training program for employees in the healthcare industry will not be applicable to employees in the manufacturing industry.
Lack of industry-specific examples and case studies makes training less relatable and applicable to employees' daily work. This can lead to employees not understanding the importance of the training or how to apply it in their jobs.
Additionally, training materials and methods should be designed to consider the following:
- Varying skill levels
- Different educational backgrounds
- Learning preferences of different employees
For example, some employees may prefer hands-on training, while others may prefer online or classroom-based training. To address this problem, employers should develop training programs that are tailored to the specific needs of their employees. Speaking of hands-on learning...
Not enough emphasis on hands-on learning
Employees need to be able to practice what they have learned in a safe and controlled environment. This can be done through hands-on training, which allows employees to apply their knowledge and skills in a realistic setting. Hands-on training can take many forms, such as simulations, role-playing exercises, and on-the-job training.
Unfortunately, many workplace safety training programs do not place enough emphasis on hands-on learning. This is often due to a lack of resources, such as time, money, and qualified trainers. No access to a proper training facility or environment could also be a factor. As a result, employees may not develop the skills they need to stay safe on the job.
In addition to providing more hands-on training opportunities, employers should consider one more factor. They should make sure that their training programs are up-to-date and relevant to the specific hazards employees face.
Lack of regular updates and refresher courses
Government agencies and regulatory bodies often move slowly. But that doesn't mean you have to.
But when updates come from such organizations, you better be on top of it.
Updating your training material is critical for workplace safety training. This is because safety compliance regulations can change more often than you think. Employees also may not hold information from infrequent training sessions. Regular updates make sure employees stay current with the latest safety regulations and best practices.
Furthermore, refresher courses help employees keep the knowledge and skills they learned during initial training. This is especially important for safety-critical tasks that require a high level of skill. Refresher courses should be conducted at least annually, and more often if there are significant changes in safety regulations or procedures.
Our hope is that workplace safety training can be taken more seriously in the future. We never like to hear of teams that fall behind or can't give the same level of effort because they aren't fully staffed. We want your team to be fully employed and happy in the workplace. Let's make sure everyone gets the proper training they need.
Topics: Workplace Safety
