Industrial Safety Training

Training employees on safety within the industrial setting may just be one of the most important tasks within a workplace. Many employers assume that employees are aware of common industrial workplace hazards; however, to do so is a big mistake. It is important to consider that some employees may be joining the industrial workforce with little to no experience, while others may be so accustomed to industrial work that they take certain safety practices for granted without any real thought. Furthermore, there are also some employees who do understand workplace hazards and do exercise suitable caution when appropriate. Whichever the situation, when employees are unaware of safety hazards, they are a threat to their own safety as well as to the safety of others. Industrial safety training regarding specific on-the-job hazards, as well as what to do and how to react when accidents happen is crucial.

Job Role Training

Let’s face it, not everybody in the workplace knows and understands each and every job within the facility. Even though there will always be those people who act like they are the “Jack of all trades” they are not, unless they have been properly trained in each position and understand the safety risks associated with each. In order for employees to be properly trained, the employer must set-up a variety of learning or training opportunities for the employee, some may be formal while others may be informal. It is not wise to send an employee out onto the industrial floor without any training whatsoever that is just setting the stage for disaster. First off, a great training tactic is to start off with a bit of formal training regarding crucial safety information, then it is helpful to provide the employee with a “mentor” for more specific job training purposes. The mentor can then show the new employee how to do the job through hands-on training. This allows the employee to ask questions, build rapport with fellow co-workers, and also provides them with on-the-job training opportunities and to become aware of specific safety risks.  

The Role of PPE in Safety

The use of PPE or personal protective equipment is an essential form of protection within an industrial environment. Even when employees are trained and aware of specific safety hazards, the need for training with PPE is necessary. Employees may not understand the specific PPE requirements for the job if they are not properly trained. For instance the PPE needed when entering a welding zone is very different than the PPE needed to enter a chemical lab. Each employee should be aware of the suitable PPE needed in regards to their specific job position.

A lack of industrial safety training is a recipe for disaster in the work environment. It is better to over-train and over-inform than to leave safety hazards up to employee discretion. Many accidents in the industrial work environment happen due to an absence of clear and concise safety training. Make sure your employees are trained and ready so they can function in a safe and effective fashion.

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