How can you incorporate hands-on training into your workplace safety program?

1 Benefits of hands-on training

Hands-on training is a form of experiential learning that involves active participation, interaction, and feedback. It enables your employees to practice safety skills in realistic scenarios, learn from their mistakes, and receive guidance from trainers or peers. This kind of training can offer several advantages for your workplace safety program, such as improved retention and recall of safety knowledge and procedures, increased confidence and competence in performing safety tasks, enhanced motivation and engagement in safety training and culture, as well as a decreased risk of accidents, injuries, and liabilities.

2 Elements of hands-on training

When designing an effective hands-on training program for workplace safety, you must consider four main elements: objectives, content, methods, and evaluation. For objectives, you should define specific and measurable learning outcomes that your employees should achieve after the training. Content should include relevant and practical information and skills that your employees need to learn and apply. Methods should involve appropriate and varied activities and tools for your employees to use during the training. Lastly, evaluation should include ways to assess and monitor the progress and performance of your employees during and after the training. Examples may include observation, feedback, or tests; data collection on safety incidents, compliance, or satisfaction; or follow-up or refresher sessions.

3 Tips for implementing hands-on training

Implementing hands-on training effectively and efficiently requires preparation. Start by ensuring that your trainers are qualified, experienced, and familiar with the training objectives, content, and methods. Provide them with clear instructions, guidelines, and resources. Additionally, inform your employees about the purpose, expectations, and benefits of the training. Provide them with the necessary materials, equipment, and instructions. Select a suitable and safe location for the training and arrange the space, furniture, and equipment accordingly. Schedule the training at a convenient and optimal time for your employees and trainers. Divide the training into manageable segments and allow enough time for practice, feedback, and reflection. All this will help you manage the time efficiently and eliminate any distractions or interruptions that may affect the training.

4 Challenges of hands-on training

Hands-on training is a beneficial addition to your workplace safety program, but it can also pose some challenges. Cost is one of the common issues, as it may require more resources, equipment, and time than other forms of training. To reduce expenses, you can use existing or low-cost materials, share or borrow equipment, or leverage online or mobile platforms. Quality is also a challenge, as it may depend on the skills, attitudes, and behaviors of the trainers and learners. To ensure quality, you can use clear and consistent criteria, guidelines, and feedback mechanisms, or involve external or internal experts or auditors. Lastly, hands-on training can be more risky than other forms of training due to potential hazards or accidents. To ensure safety, you can use proper protective equipment, follow safety protocols and procedures, or simulate or modify the scenarios to minimize the danger.