“Think training’s hard?...Try losing!” is, in my opinion, a great quote as a new NFL season recently kicked off, but it is also a great slogan to perhaps kick off your new training strategy. Why is training important? Eliminating barriers on your path toward world class operation and ultimate success is one reason why. How effective is your training? Your team’s will to learn and trust in the knowledge is how you determine effectiveness. Are you continuously training after the onboarding stage? For the sake of professional (and personal) development—it is best if training never stops.
Is time your opponent? How about establishing a program? Do you want to be the best?
Finding the Time
When it comes to training, especially safety training, you must find the time to complete which ensures compliance. Training Requirements in OSHA Standards. Initial training is easy because the newest member of your team needs to learn more about your company or a veteran member needs to learn a new skill or piece of equipment.
Time is money and I know you have all the time in world. Deadlines are looming, customers are grouchy, and profits are falling. How can you possible have time to incorporate more training? The truth is – it isn’t about more training… it is about more time. More time your team spends away from the job, correct? Well, consider this – investing more time in your team will pay dividends in the form of better performance, lower turnover, and a stronger company.
Establishing Your Training Strategy
Completing a training needs assessment is the first step to establish your training strategy.
A training needs assessment will 1) determine both the core and required training for your scope of work and 2) identify the needs and desired skills for your team. From there, you can start planning your programs. Plan goals and objectives for each program. Will you handle the training in-house or outsource? How do you plan on measuring successes (and failures)? These decisions are necessary to ensure your strategy’s effectiveness.
When it comes to safety training, your strategy should revolve around an “above and beyond” approach. Are you disappointed by how many on your team are getting hurt? Have you felt the terrible and awful day when a team member never made the commute home? An effective safety training strategy will ensure the safe performance of your team, the safe operation of your equipment, and an overall safe and productive workplace.
Call-to-Action
We want you to be the best! Being the best means working with the best. Need help? Why not turn to our safety professionals? Consider saving loads of time by outsourcing your training needs assessment and safety training. For us, safety training is less about lecture and more about conversation. The key to success is to make learning fun and interactive. Safety professionals are not entertainers but rather ambassadors in carrying the safety message to employees everywhere.
Value the L.E.A.R.N. methodology!
(L)ead – Lead your team and explain the importance of training.
(E)verybody – Every member of your company should participate in the training.
(A)ppealing – Ensure the training is interesting and filled with fun.
(R)elevant – Make sure the training is relevant to each person’s scope of work.
(N)ew – Try fresh habits and develop non-traditional methods for the training.
“There's no experience like on-the-job training.” - Hank Azaria
