Is Training the Answer?
Addressing the Cause
The first step in the training process is a basic one; ask questions to determine if a problem can be solved by training.
Whenever employees are not performing their jobs safely, we might assume training will bring them up to standard.
Let's say your supervisor comes to you and says his or her employees are not using safe procedures. The first assumption might be that they need training. Don't roll over and agree with that assumption. It's quite possible that training (for those employees anyway) may not be the solution to the problem.
It is possible the supervisor and/or others in the organization may need to accomplish one or more of the following non-training strategies to help make sure employees use safe procedures and practices:
- Correct existing hazards using engineering controls.
- Provide adequate resources to work safely.
- Adequately enforce safety rules.
Who knows, maybe the supervisor and others need the training! Let's not always assume employee safety training is the solution for unsafe behavior.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
1-1. The first step in the training process is a basic one; to determine _____.
You forgot to answer the question!