Enhancing Health and Safety Training: The Power of Reflective Practice

Introduction

In the ever-evolving field of health and safety, the importance of continuous professional development cannot be underestimated. This article delves into the crucial role of reflective practice in training, specifically through the Brookfield Model of Reflection, and explores how this model can profoundly impact health and safety training methodologies.

Understanding Brookfield's Model of Reflection

Brookfield's Model of Reflection offers a comprehensive framework for introspection and insight. It comprises four distinct lenses: self-reflection, the student’s perspective, colleagues’ viewpoints, and scholarly literature. This model encourages a holistic approach to understanding and improving teaching practices.

The Necessity of Reflection in Health and Safety Training

Health and safety training is uniquely challenging, given its critical role in safeguarding lives. Traditional, lecture-based methods often fail to engage learners fully. Here, reflection becomes a vital tool, allowing trainers to assess and adapt their methods for maximum efficacy and engagement.

Reflection Through the Lens of 'The Student's Eyes'

My personal experience as a trainee in health and safety revealed a common pitfall: the tendency for training to become monotonous and disengaging. Viewing training through 'The Student's Eyes' – a lens that prioritises the learner's experience – trainers can develop more interactive and impactful programs. Many in-house trainers primarily concentrate on compliance, ensuring that all necessary boxes are ticked and securing the all-important signature at the end of the course. However, consider placing yourself in the student's shoes: What would you desire from the training? For me, it boils down to the fundamentals of communication, which include being clear, courteous, and confident, while also ensuring accuracy and conciseness.

Linking Brookfield’s Model to Health and Safety Training

Applying Brookfield’s lenses, especially 'The Student's Eyes', can revolutionise health and safety training. For instance, using this lens, a trainer might incorporate more hands-on activities or real-life case studies, making the learning experience more relatable and retainable.When conducting Manual Handling training in-house, for instance with refuse collectors, it's crucial to move beyond the basics. Rather than using a lightweight box for demonstration, engage with the actual equipment they handle daily, like the bulky 1100L commercial bins or 360L residential bins. Place yourself in their position: The first reaction you might hear is, 'We don’t lift that.' I've experienced similar feedback while moving 360L bins; a common remark is, 'That's a light one compared to the ones we have to move at York Road.' So, what’s the solution? We add more weight. This approach not only earns you more respect from the trainees but also ensures that they derive greater value from the training

Continuous Improvement and Adaptation in Training

The field of health and safety is dynamic, and training methods should reflect this fluidity. Regular reflection and adaptation, guided by Brookfield’s Model, ensure that training remains relevant, engaging, and, most importantly, effective in imparting crucial safety knowledge.

Conclusion

Reflective practice, as guided by Brookfield's Model of Reflection, is not just an academic concept but a practical tool that can significantly enhance health and safety training. By continuously examining our methods through various lenses, especially through 'The Student's Eyes', we can ensure that our training not only educates but also engages and inspires.