Trends in ... training and education

As Christine Robinson, a professor at Columbia Southern University, says: “Training and educating workers has changed quite a bit in the last three years. Most of the technologies are not new; however, they’re being used in new areas.”

Added Kelley Norris, vice president of implementation services at SafeStart: “The use of technology as a vehicle for learning is a major topic at the moment. Advancements in tech and generative AI are driving the conversation and I see tremendous opportunities for both safety and learning.

“However, we can’t lose sight of the value of building relationships with our colleagues to drive learning outcomes. Technology can only do so much, and you still need to effectively communicate to build engagement … for real change to take place.”

Not only that, “Every employee might have a unique learning style,” says Shawn Smith, product director for training at KPA. “It’s important to offer a diverse set of training options to support a strong safety culture and foster healthy safety habits. Learner engagement is the key – you want to offer training that engages your employees and helps reinforce critical safety concepts that are relevant to them.”

All three experts cited the challenges of not having face-to-face training to ensure understanding among workers. These challenges, Robinson said, include presenters not being able to connect with students and missing facial expressions and nonverbal clues that indicate students are following what’s being taught.

So, what can employers do?

“Just as there are many ways to learn, the more opportunities to share information – virtually and in person – the better,” Robinson suggests. This can be done through webinars, electronic tests, videos and online conferences – in addition to the traditional classroom environment that some workers may prefer.

Norris noted that employers who “permit the use of mobile devices have an opportunity to deliver valuable content” to students who like to learn that way.

A final bit of advice from Norris: “Build a strategic roadmap and then establish a governance team to hold others accountable and build appropriate training plans more in line with the organization’s core values and outcome expectations.”

Compiled with the assistance of the International Safety Equipment Association

Coming next month:

• Hearing protection
• Protective clothing