Trends in ... training and education

What are some common concerns regarding training and educating workers? To Safety Services Co. CEO Matt Lincoln, they include navigating regulatory compliance, providing engaging training options and measuring the effectiveness of safety programs.

How can employers address all three?

For starters, they must have an understanding that “training is not just about compliance or imparting basic skills; it’s about improving safety culture and operational efficiency,” said Patience Adagba, a professor at Columbia Southern University. “Well-structured training should be holistic, addressing cognitive and emotional factors to create a safer, more productive work environment.”

The emphasis

Workplace safety training needs to emphasize “building strong methodologies and processes to ensure consistency across teams,” Lincoln said. “Interactive e-learning modules and advanced learning management systems are increasingly used to create engaging, hands-on experiences that prepare workers for real-world hazards.”

Added Adagba: “Digital tools like Control of Work and AI-powered analytics now enable remote and interactive training, making education accessible across diverse settings. These tools not only streamline compliance, but also foster a culture of accountability and engagement.

“This evolution is essential as technology continues to create innovative ways to make learning efficient, consistent and tailored to individual needs​.”

Custom content

Speaking of tailoring training to individual workers, Lincoln said that “data-driven instruction is also transforming training by identifying knowledge gaps and tailoring content to workers’ specific needs.”

He added: “This personalized approach enhances learning effectiveness while guiding better decision-making. These tools make safety training more effective and accessible, particularly for remote or multi-location teams.”

And the need for online learning continues to grow, as many organizations have remote or multi-location teams. So, there’s a “push to enhance our ability to deliver training remotely in an equally effective way as our more traditional face-to-face delivery,” said Jim Chapman, a research director at SafeStart, which has simplified its materials to apply to a wider audience.

Something Adagba supports: “Simplifying and scaling training efforts while staying adaptable,” which is “key to achieving meaningful outcomes.”

Ensure effective training

Adagba recommends employers “start with a needs assessment to identify the most pressing challenges, whether it’s managing compliance, addressing high turnover or providing consistent education across multiple locations.”

Chapman offered this example: “An increasing number of clients do not consider English as their first language and many trainees struggle with literacy. So, we need to ensure our materials are designed for face-to-face and online environments, as well as for a wide range of language and literacy competencies.”

A final note from Lincoln: “The value of ongoing training cannot be overstated. Repetitive sessions reinforce safe practices, while tailored refresher courses ensure skills remain sharp and engaging.”

Compiled with the assistance of the International Safety Equipment Association

Coming next month:

• Head protection
• Protective clothing