The 7-Step OJT Process
Step 5: Trainer Concludes the Training
After the main part of the training is over, the trainer wraps things up with a focus on motivation and accountability.
The trainer must clearly explain what is expected of the employee moving forward. It's important to talk about both natural consequences and system consequences. Natural consequences might include injuries or health risks if the procedure isn't followed correctly. System consequences could be things like disciplinary actions or rewards based on performance. This sets a clear understanding of accountability and shows that safety isn't optional—it's a shared responsibility.
- Recognize the student's accomplishment – Acknowledge their effort with something simple like, "Good job!"
- Reemphasize why the procedure matters – Show how it connects to larger safety and performance goals.
- Discuss accountability – Explain natural consequences (e.g., injury or health risk) and system consequences (e.g., discipline or rewards).
Step 6: Trainer/Supervisor Validates the Training
Once training ends, it doesn't stop there. The next step is for the trainer—or preferably the supervisor—to observe the employee on the job.
Watching the employee apply what they've learned in the real work environment helps confirm whether they're ready. This observation also becomes solid documentation that protects both the employee and the employer if safety questions ever come up later.
Tip: To prove the employee has the knowledge and skills to do a job safely, have the employee teach you how to do the job. If the employee can effectively train you how to do the job, he or she is qualified and you can sign them off. If they can't, you should not qualify them; it's time for some retraining.
By the way, When OSHA inspects, the compliance officer may ask employees about the job they are doing. The employees won't be able to hide their ignorance and it won't take long for the compliance officer to determine if the employee is qualified to do the job.
Step 7: Trainer/Supervisor Documents the Training
When it comes to safety training, OSHA's saying, "if it isn't in writing, it didn't get done," holds true. For OJT, documentation must go beyond just taking attendance. The trainee, trainer, and employer must each confirm specific outcomes.
Employee Confirmation: The trainee signs the certification to confirm that the training was completed, that all their questions were answered, and that they had a chance to practice the procedure. They also acknowledge that they understand their responsibilities, and intend to follow the procedures correctly.
Trainer Confirmation: The trainer confirms that the employee understands the procedure, and demonstrated the ability to safely and correctly perform it. This type of record helps meet legal requirements and proves that the company made a good-faith effort to provide proper training.
Employer Confirmation: Finally, the supervisor/employer confirms that the employee was evaluated performing the procedure in the workplace environment, and demonstrated adequate knowledge, skill, and abilities (KSAs) to safely perform all specific tasks in the procedure.
See the Sample Training Certification. It represents one possible way to document training.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
6-7. As a supervisor or trainer, how can you best verify that a worker has both adequate knowledge and skills to do a job safely?
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