723 Conducting OSH Training

Get Ready

Initial Planning

Before you start any safety training, take the time to plan things out. A well-organized session keeps people engaged, helps meet safety rules, and makes sure your training actually applies to real work situations. From setting the date to choosing your trainers, every part of the plan needs attention to make sure things run smoothly.

Firm Up the Schedule

One of the first things you'll need to figure out is the schedule. Pick a time that works for both your operations and your employees. Make sure it lines up with any safety regulations, like those from OSHA. Try to avoid Mondays and Fridays—Tuesdays through Thursdays usually work best because people are more focused.

Think about what time of day works for your team. If your company runs on a single shift, you might schedule the training before or during the shift—say 8 AM or 2 PM. If you're working with multiple shifts, aim for something like 2 PM, so you can catch workers from multiple shifts. Try not to schedule training right after a night shift—people will be too tired to focus.

Don't forget to leave time for setting up and taking things down. If you're using projectors or other gear, give yourself about 30 minutes to set up and 15 minutes to pack up. If the training is hands-on, like fall protection, you'll need extra time to check the equipment. And make sure the session is long enough to meet any certification or accreditation requirements.

Where you hold the training can also affect your schedule. If you're hosting it on-site, book a room a few weeks ahead of time. If it's off-site, plan even earlier—two to three months in advance is a good rule. You'll also need to arrange things like food and confirm all the details about a week before the session—and again the day before. It's smart to have a backup date in case of scheduling conflicts.

Decide Where You Will Be Training

The place you choose to hold the training matters. It affects how easy it is for people to attend and how well they can pay attention. On-site training is convenient because people already know the space and won't have to travel. It also gives you the chance to use real job-site examples, especially if you're discussing hazards that are specific to your workplace. Just make sure the room is quiet, free of distractions, and meets safety requirements like clear fire exits.

Off-site training gives you access to spaces built for learning. It's a great option if you want fewer interruptions or need special equipment. Just make sure you double-check the address and how long it'll take people to get there. Also, confirm that the place has what you need—things like a projector, Wi-Fi, and maybe even nearby lodging if people are coming from out of town.

You might also want to consider hybrid or virtual options. Online training can be great for covering theory, while hybrid formats let you mix online learning with in-person activities. This can be especially helpful if your team has different schedules or learning preferences. Whatever format you choose, make sure it follows ADA accessibility guidelines and meets safety standards.

Decide on What Kind of Training Is Best for the Subject

Now think about the best way to deliver your content. Some topics are better taught in a classroom, especially if you're going over rules, procedures, or other theory-based material. You can even use mock setups in the room to give learners a little hands-on practice.

If you're teaching a skill, hands-on training is usually the way to go. These sessions let people practice with the actual tools or equipment they'll be using on the job. Just make sure everything is available and in good condition.

Online training works well for information people can review at their own pace, but it's not a good choice for physical tasks like confined space entry or using rescue gear. In some cases, blended learning is a great solution—it lets you combine the flexibility of online lessons with the benefits of in-person practice. Whatever approach you take, make sure all your materials and tools are ready to go before the session starts.

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