How do you train junior engineers to be safe?

A tool that I have found helpful is a checklist-based field-level risk assessment that field service engineers can apply when they first arrive onsite. It can be a good prompt for them to ask the right questions, and assess whether any assumptions made about the site line up with reality.

Teach them to read msd(or msds sheets), walk and show possible hazards, and teach them to use the proper ppe and equipment to use.

Training junior engineers to be safe involves a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Start with comprehensive safety orientation sessions, covering workplace hazards, emergency procedures, and relevant safety protocols. Provide hands-on training for equipment use and ensure they understand the importance of following safety guidelines. Encourage a safety culture by promoting open communication about potential risks and regularly reinforcing safety practices. Regular safety drills and ongoing education help maintain awareness and preparedness.

Training junior engineers to prioritize safety involves a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical application. Provide thorough onboarding sessions covering safety protocols, conduct regular safety workshops, and encourage a culture where questioning safety practices is welcomed. Hands-on experience, mentorship, and gradual exposure to more complex tasks can also contribute to their development in understanding and implementing safety measures.

Push safety first and stress the goal is to accomplish the job while making sure the person trained and others go home with no injuries. Watching videos of people in the past who were injuries do to lack of safety is an eye opener for newer personnel. Stress training every year if possible.

Young intelligent engineers built the Titanic, and the Hindenburg, and… you get the idea. If you can get them to use the available tools and consider the real risk posed to workers, you win. I saw one demo where the lead designer was using his fifth grade kid as a risk consideration. Not actually at work… conceptually. Very effective designer. Side note. To be fair… and contradictory, the Titanic engineer did create a good design. But I read that some older, wiser, richer, purse string holders clipped him in the construction phase. To save time and money they didn’t didn’t allow him to extend the bulkheads to the designed height.

When training new colleagues and especially junior ones in a new or particularly dangerous field. You must dig deep and re-assess your own actions and explain every part of what you're doing and why you're doing it. You need to periodically assess and guide the development. Never assume their previous experience. The same goes for passing on and teaching skills. When interacting with others, if you conduct yourself in a manner, explain why and let them develop their own professional attributes and demeanour. Knowing you have done all you can to impart the best bits of yourself.

Have them write operations procedures prior to issuing a final design package. Forces them to look at a design from a different perspective and find flaws or improvements that can be made prior to going to construction.