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Important Topics to Include in the Workplace Safety Training Program

Important Topics to Include in the Workplace Safety Training Program 1

Workplace safety training is crucial for maintaining the safety of employees during work hours. This training helps show employees what they should and shouldn’t do when carrying out different workplace activities. The companies’ responsibility is to suitably train employees in all aspects of their job, from the most menial to the riskiest operation. But what makes a workplace safety training program more effective? This article enumerates essential workplace safety courses that companies can include in their workplace safety training program.

Workplace Ergonomics

Employees might be working in a cushy office with sturdy infrastructure. What could go wrong? While the risks of injury when working in an office are lower than those when working on a construction site or oil rig, ergonomic workplace injuries can cost companies real money in terms of productivity loss and worker’s compensation claims.

According to OSHA estimates, ergonomic injuries account for a total annual cost of 45–50 billion dollars. Ergonomics is one of the most helpful safety courses in the workplace safety training program. This particular safety course will teach employees how to lift and move throughout their day, rewarding companies with fewer sick days, lower healthcare costs, and satisfied employees.

Fire Safety

Everyone takes it for granted that adult employees understand everything about fire safety, but it’s a vital and OSHA-required part of all industries. Workplace safety training programs should cover employee egress in the event of a fire. Many employers don’t want their employees to fight fires, but they must know how to stay safe and report a fire incident.

Workplace Violence Prevention

As per the Federal Bureau of Investigation, around 2 million people in the U.S. are victims of workplace violence every year. And approximately 80% of all active shooter incidents occur in the workplace. Moreover, women in the workplace are usually the target of workplace violence. A study of domestic violence survivors even stated that 74% of these women are harassed or attacked while working.

Therefore, workplace safety training programs must include strategies to prevent workplace violence, including identifying the risk factors and signs of potential workplace violence.

Equipment Safety

It’s important to safely use job-specific equipment for the smooth functioning of machines, continuous business operations, and employee safety. While some employees might have on-the-job experience, others might not know the ins and outs of particular machines.

When conducting equipment safety training, make sure to account for each piece of equipment or machinery employees should come into contact with. In addition, cover any personal protective equipment employees should use when working in dangerous areas or with special machinery.

Conclusion

While these are some general safety topics that a workplace training program should cover, there are other industries and location-specific safety courses that employees will need. Two vital aspects that make a workplace training program effective are the training materials and the delivery system. Solid workplace safety training must understand the needs of employees, hold every employee accountable, and be mobile, agile, and adaptive. Companies should tailor workplace safety training according to their needs.

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