Step Three: Manage
How do I implement continuous employee development through training and follow-up?
Action 1: Determine if safety training is the right approach
Training is not always the right answer to resolve a workplace safety concern. If you determine training is the best way to resolve a workplace safety concern, please continue on to the next action. If not, we recommend going back to Step 2 to determine the proper approach.
Action 2: What are your training goals and objectives?
What is your objective? To create a quality safety training program you need to not only identify the safety issue(s) but know what your desired outcomes are for the training. Ask yourself: “When the training is over, what should they know and be able to do?”
Action 3: Make sure you are utilizing the most effective training technique to meet your desired training outcomes
There are various methods of training. For example: online training modules, tabletop exercises, lectures, role-plays, simulations, case-studies, self-instructional elements, on-the-job training, discussions, hands-on training, homework, games, etc. Customizing your training program to your audience is critical to ensure they retain the information you desire them to use on the job.
Action 4: Conducting safety training
Ensure the training is accurate, credible, clear, and practical. Make sure that a trusted, “Competent Person” conducts and delivers your training program.
Action 5: Document training
There is popular adage that states “If you didn’t document it, then it never happened”. Training records are essential! At minimum, they should include the trainee name(s), training date, name of the trainer, and a brief description of the subject/content.
Action 6: Training Resources available to supervisors
BYU offers numerous resources to support supervisors in developing safety training programs.
If a suitable training is already available, use it! Several Safety Training Resources are available on the Risk Management website. BYU’s Human Resources and Development team (HRD) has also provided a training system called Absorb that offers hundreds of online trainings in variety of topics.
Action 7: Monitor and evaluate your training programs and continuous improvement
Continually monitor and evaluate if the safety training has been effective – you can’t just assume it worked. Use methods like performing onsite observations, having employees practice in front of a supervisor after their training, questionnaires, tests, follow-up surveys, and more. Effective evaluation methods will highlight training program strengths and identify areas of weakness that need change or improvement.
If you want additional help managing the risks in your work area, please ask your supervisor or contact Risk Management at (801) 422-4468.