Make Safety Training Useful

Some companies struggle with the concept of safety training for their employees. The reason is a simple one: it is never easy to strike the right balance between formal procedures that are ironclad and so voluminous that nobody will study them or likely remember what they say, and a casual trust that people will have common sense and will use their heads in the event of an emergency. Somewhere in between is the sweet spot. Here are a few ideas that may help in defining that delicate balance.

• Uniformity in staff training is extremely important. Each newly hired team member needs to be instructed in the same procedures upon induction. Keep concise and up to date procedures. Graphics and images can help describe things clearly.

• All safety-related instructions need to be kept simple and offer only the smallest possible number of options on a decision tree. In the event of a building evacuation, for example, define exactly where to go with minimal options.

•  In almost all emergency situations, time is of the essence. Whatever reaction is required in any particular situation, it needs to be undertaken immediately to maximize its effectiveness.

• Preservation of life is the most important objective in any emergency. Whether it be by sheltering in place or moving to a more secure location, get people to safety and make sure that nobody is left behind.

• Prevention of harm comes next on the list. Consider things such as the need to identify and potentially quickly shut down key industrial processes that could go rogue if left unattended. Yet, this need to prevent catastrophes should not be confused with a desire to save everything of monetary value before looking after the health and safety of employees. It is important to work this out in advance, so that individuals are not placed in extra jeopardy while struggling to idle non-dangerous equipment.

• Not all emergencies are system-wide in nature. Individual injuries or health problems should also receive some degree of procedural training so that all employees know what to do in regard to administering first aid.

The basic tenets are to keep things simple, remember that human life is paramount, and post key elements such as to-do lists and evacuation routes in multiple locations so they remain top of mind.