Worker Safety Training
A Video is Not Enough
When used as part of a complete training program, safety training videos can be a useful way to ensure that required material is covered. However, watching a video is not the same as learning and understanding.
The goal of safety training is making sure that workers develop hazard awareness, knowledge of correct practices, and proper attitudes about safety. Managers should use training sessions to create a safety culture in the workplace.
The following list offers a few ways to increase safety awareness at your business. Your employees may have additional suggestions for presenting safety information in memorable ways.
- Ask supervisors or other employees to share their experiences about being safe in their particular work areas.
- Use demonstrations and participation whenever possible. Remember the adage, "Tell me, I forget. Show me, I may remember. Involve me, I understand."
- Discuss ways to handle unexpected situations, such as an escaped cow, or a flat tire on a heavily-loaded truck.
- Invite local law enforcement to provide defensive driving simulations.
- Ask the local utility company to provide electrical safety demonstrations. These companies often have a portable demonstration unit that they can bring to your location.
- Invite local health professionals or EMTs to demonstrate how to respond to major injuries. Immediate treatment can be critical, especially in rural areas. The medical flight unit may be able to bring the air ambulance on-site for demonstrations.
- Ask company representatives to provide safety training for the products that your employees use, such as chainsaws, tractors and other equipment.
- Present the safety training session as a positive, interesting, and energizing experience, rather than an attendance requirement.
A safety culture in the workplace decreases the likelihood of injuries and increases productivity and profits. Memorable safety training sessions will pay off for your employees and your business.
Adapted from:
"Thoughts & Quotes: Safety training is more than a video!" in Safety News & Notes, Vol 7., No. 10, October 2006, by Carol J. Lehtola. Published by: Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering (10/2006).
Related Sites & Articles
- Agricultural Safety
- Farm Safety
- Florida AgSafe
- National Ag Safety Database--CDC
- National Safety Council
- Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA)
