Education and Training
Safety education "tells why." Education builds the philosophical foundation that establishes why safety is important. Education transfers general knowledge and explains natural and system consequences. The goals of safety education are to primarily increase knowledge and improve attitudes. Here are some important things to remember about safety education:
- General/Specific information and instruction is presented
- Knowledge and skills are not measured or evaluated
- Trainers may write goals for students. Instructional objectives are not required
- All you have to do is attend to get a certificate
- Measurement and evaluation focuses on student's reaction to the training session rather than learning
- Measurement and evaluation tools include - surveys and evaluation forms
Safety training "shows how." Training is one form of education that helps build specific knowledge and skills to perform safe procedures and practices. The goals of safety training are to primarily increase knowledge and improves skills. On the job training (OJT) is a very effective training strategy. Important points to remember about safety training include:
- The training describes general/specific policies, procedures, practices
- Trainers should write goals and learning objectives for students
- Knowledge and skills are measured and evaluated immediately after training in the learning environment
- Trainers measure and evaluate learners using oral/written exams, and skill demonstrations
- Learners must "pass a test" in class to get a certificate
- This level is required for certifying employees who are "qualified" to perform hazardous procedures and practices.
Experience can improve skills. Experience is a natural form of education. Experience within a supportive safety culture will help to further increase knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) about safety in the workplace. It's important to understand how important the safety culture is to safe performance.
Consequences can sustain behavior. Consequences motivate employees to learn. When employees understand the natural consequences (hurt or health) of their actions, they're more likely to use safe procedures and practices. Employees are also more likely to comply when they understand that system consequences (discipline, recognition) will be administered.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
5-8. Why is understanding the consequences of actions crucial for promoting a safe work environment?
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