Improving Your Company Training Program

This year, nearly 400,000 new workers entered the construction industry. While this is an increase from the previous year, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates there are over 700,000 job openings annually that need filled. With the influx of new employees and need for even more, a proper training program is paramount to make sure employees are safe and competent with their work. Below we will explore some ways to improve your training program and how you can properly implement these changes.
 
Assess Training Changes
As safety and technology continue to advance, new changes should be reviewed and assessed regularly to ensure your training meets the needs of the work at hand. Some changes that can affect your training needs include:

• New Products or Services – as your company grows and work scopes change, employees need to be trained on all equipment and products that come along
• Organizational Changes – if your building layout is updated, new processes are introduced, or additional hazards are exposed these may require updates to training and PPE requirements
• OSHA/Law Updates – when new standards are imposed or laws update handling requirements, your procedures need to be updated as well

Once changes are reviewed and identified, your team needs to work together to update your training plan to create a well-rounded and effective program.
 
Update Training Plan
Once your training updates have been identified, your supervisors need to work on identifying ‘what’ needs changed and ‘how’ to implement these changes in your organization. Some of these examples can include:

• Conduct Inspection/Investigations – identify any deficiencies, gaps, or improvements that can be made to ensure safety and compliance for the new process
• Organize Employee Participation – provide workers with the training and materials needed to work with/around the new process safely
• Ensure Emergency Procedures – update any Emergency Action Plans (EAP) and makes sure all emergency procedures aren’t impacted negatively by this new process

As your plan is being updated, make sure your workers are involved in this process to help measure preparedness and effectiveness. Once the plan is updated, these changes need to be implemented and tracked for their effectiveness.
 
Implement Training Changes
After your training plan is updated, the implementation process should include tracking training procedures, evaluating employees on their knowledge retention, and continuously monitoring the quality of training and updating as needed. If this training is something that is needed on an annual basis, make sure that your employees and their training are recorded and tracked to make sure they continue to receive their training on a regular basis. This type of training management is something that can easily be handled by STAC and our unique QR codes.
 
When updating your training plan, employers need to make sure that all parts of the organization are included in the assessment, update, and implementation process. When everyone is included, the most effective solution can be implemented. To keep the conversation going, download the Health & Safety Plan Toolbox Talk (TBT) or comment below.

H&S Plan TBT