How can you design training programs to be aligned with health and safety policies?

It comes more natural to some industries over others to consider safety and health, like healthcare and manufacturing. However, safety and health covers a large scope of topics. The importance is to conduct an assessment of your specific industry and organization. It is also wise to bring in experts to guide you.

We have a great example available on this, that is the way military training is carried out, Military training schedule is not only about fighting techniques, they have a huge specialized curriculum for sophisticated technologies, which need lot of mental drain for the trainees.All that can be achieved only by a Health and safety practical routine ,which should be the part of the core curriculum.In this way we can align our training programs with health and safety policy ,not only in letter , But also in spirit.

A number of tools can be used to assess the needs & gaps in training programs:- 1. Compliance Reviews : Reviewing all relevant health & safety policies, regulations & standards applicable. 2.Consulting Stakeholders: To gather insights into their perceived training needs & any existing gaps in current practices. 3.Data Collation : Carry out Job Hazard Analysis, Incident Analysis, issue surveys, analyse feedbacks from Safety Committees & interview employees. By using a combination of these assessments, we'll gain a comprehensive understanding of the health & safety training needs & gaps within our organisation. This information will guide the development of a targeted & effective training program that aligns with health & safety policies.

The sky is the limit when devising training formats. The more innovative & diverse you are in your approach, the better your success in reaching your training objectives. You can experiment with these formats to devise the best combination for your organization:- 1. Classroom based. 2. E-Learning & online. 3. Hands-on workshops. 4. On-the-job training. 5. Job rotation. 6. Case studies & scenario based. 7. Toolbox talks. 8. Videos & multimedia based. 9. Safety drills & simulations. 10. Gamification. 11. Mobile learning apps. 12. Peer learning & mentoring. 13. Webinars. 14. Quizzes and assessments. 15. Posters/flyers. Combining multiple methods will often yield the best results.

In the realm of Health and Safety training, the format plays a crucial role. While many of these sessions are commonly conducted virtually or through slides, this approach serves well for introducing topics. However, I believe that the most effective approach involves incorporating hands-on learning components, followed by observation and feedback. This method proves highly impactful because many Health and Safety incidents occur when individuals feel unprepared or uneasy, despite having acquired theoretical knowledge. Practical training ensures that individuals not only understand but can confidently implement what they've learned, promoting a sense of readiness and comfort.

Evaluation of health and safety trainings is very important and can be done through following ways; 1. Monitoring of EHS/safety data at workplace. 2. Review of feedback from trainees on structured format. 3. Periodic Re-evaluation of Employees ( evaluate the training as a whole as well as the need for retraining or refresher training.) Organizations are only truly sustainable when they ensure the safety, health, and welfare of their employees.

When I develop a training session, I review the business model, from that I can identify key points for their industry. Once the key points are identified I tailor my approach to those points, or at least I get a rough outline of how I should view them. For me, the Health and Safety laws/company policies are nothing but a big giant frame work to operate within. They always exist, they don't change rapidly but they leave a lot of space to work within. If we were talking a puzzle, the laws would be the border, very minimal compared to the overall picture but absolutely needed to finish the puzzle. The picture can be whatever you want. This worked for me in the facility I oversaw but also with random groups I teach now.

Repetition is the key to ingraining knowledge, particularly concerning critical subjects like health & safety. Reiterating essential training content helps improve retention. To stimulate employee engagement in safe work practices, incorporating health & safety as a recurrent theme in your training offerings is highly effective. In live training sessions, irrespective of the main topic, launch with a captivating introduction tied to your company's health & safety policies. This section can impart vital information, outline workplace procedures, or pose thought-provoking questions to ignite meaningful discussions. Similarly, in online courses, designate a dedicated section for an attention-grabbing element related to health & safety.

With my background in five MNC companies, and being the driver for safety and health; I welcomed the idea of including the Policies on Safety & Health as part of the Vision Statement and thereafter in subsequent Policy Statements. This gave prominence & focus to these two core elements of any growing organisation.

Two main factors are important to encompass while formulating detailed/blocked syllabi and further training programs of employees n Employers. 1. Health n safety policies vis a vis Industry output/ product manufacturing n mechanism. 2. To whom the training is being planned, levels and goals of training. Adhering above , Directors and management can best achieve the desired purposes n equally pro staff.