Maximize worker safety with effective orientation and training programs

Creating an effective safety program and comprehensive training documentation is essential for any organization. According to the Society for Human Resource Management¹ (SHRM), businesses without robust training programs incur, on average, 31% higher costs related to workplace injuries. These expenses encompass increased employee medical plan premiums, a higher number of workers’ compensation claims, and lost productivity due to employee absences. Moreover, inadequate training can lead to more frequent accidents and injuries, which not only endanger employees but also disrupt operations and tarnish the company's reputation. By investing in orientation and ongoing training, businesses can ensure that their employees are well-equipped to meet the challenges of their role and contribute to the company’s success.

Reduce injuries

Studies show that companies with robust safety training programs² experience significantly fewer accidents and lower injury rates, with some reporting a 25% reduction in workplace injuries.³ By investing in comprehensive safety training and thorough documentation, organizations can:

• Reduce risks
• Meet compliance regulations
• Create a safer and more productive work environment

Increase productivity and retention

Effective training programs also demonstrate a commitment to employee well-being, which can boost morale and reduce turnover, further contributing to the organization's overall success. When employees are confident in their safety, they can focus on their tasks without distraction, directly contributing to increased productivity. 

Best practices

1. Comprehensive training materials
   • Develop comprehensive training materials that cover all safety protocols and procedures
   • Provide materials in various formats (written documents, videos, interactive modules) to cater to different learning styles
2. Orientation
   • Ensure comprehensive training is covered during orientation – including any new processes and/or equipment that employees will be using
   • Confirm employees have mastered the skills before allowing them to independently perform their roles
3. Regular reviews and refresher trainings
   • Conduct regular reviews and refresher trainings to keep information current and relevant, reflecting the latest regulations and best practices
4. Documentation
   • Document all training sessions and maintain attendance logs to verify that all employees have received the necessary training
5. Accessibility of safety resources
   • Ensure safety documents are easy to find and read, available both online and on paper
   • Provide documents in employees’ native languages if needed to ensure comprehension
6. Clear and concise language
   • Use clear and concise language, avoiding jargon, and explain technical terms to ensure all employees understand the safety procedures
   • Example: Instead of saying "LOTO," explain it as Lockout/Tagout procedures to ensure machines are properly shut off and not started up again before maintenance/work completed
7. Incident reporting and analysis
   • Track incidents including near misses to identify trends and areas for improvement and take steps to mitigate them
   • Example: If multiple incidents occur in a specific area of the workplace, it may indicate a need for additional safety measures or training in that area
8. Emergency preparedness
   • Create a detailed emergency response plan
   • Conduct regular drills to ensure employees are familiar with emergency procedures
9. Engage all employees and encourage feedback
   • Encourage employee feedback and hold regular safety meetings where employees can voice their concerns and provide suggestions for improvement
   • Engage employees in developing and maintaining safety protocols to increase their commitment to workplace safety
   • Hold both employees and supervisors accountable for safety practices
10. Regular audits and review of training effectiveness
    • Conduct scheduled audits of internal policies, safety regulations and training materials to ensure compliance is met
    • Review incidents, employee feedback, pre/post assessments or other appropriate measure to check training effectiveness
11. Take it seriously
    • Leaders should lead by example, encourage open communication, and empower employees to take an active role in safety
    • When leaders prioritize and actively participate in safety initiatives, employees are more likely to follow safety protocols and engage in safe behaviors

By following these best practices, organizations can create effective safety programs and training documentation that enhance workplace safety, ensure compliance, and foster a culture of continuous improvement. Investing in comprehensive safety training not only protects employees but also contributes to the overall success and sustainability of the organization.

[1] SHRM State of the Workplace Learning and Development Executive Summary 2022, shrm.org/content/dam/en/shrm/research/2022-Workplace-Learning-and-Development-Trends-Report.pdf
[2] Does Safety Training Reduce Work Injury in the United States?https://www.researchgate.net/publication/247869895_Does_Safety_Training_Reduce_Work_Injury_in_the_United_States
[3] Effects of safety and health training on work-related injury among construction laborers, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/8136082_Effects_of_safety_and_health_training_on_work-related_injury_among_construction_laborers.
[4] Frontiers | The Effect of Safety Leadership on Safety Participation of Employee: A Meta-Analysis, https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.827694/full