Safety training – it’s not just “a box to check.”
Unfortunately, many employers look at training and education that way, says Shawn Galloway, CEO of ProAct Safety. “Employers often focus more on compliance than engagement in training,” he added.
Eric Gislason, CEO of the National Association of Safety Professionals, echoed that thought.
“Training should never be viewed as a one-time requirement or a box to check,” he said. “True competency takes time, observation and reinforcement.”
To Rhonda Piggee Johnson, implementation specialist at SafeStart, “a good training initiative should have a way to evaluate how much employees learned and should have plenty of sustainability elements that can be implemented to support and extend the initial training.”
Gislason says the answer to ensure workers retain information from training “lies in active engagement.”
He added: “Employers often underestimate how long it takes for workers to retain and apply safety knowledge effectively. Supervisors and safety leaders must observe employees on the job, ask questions and provide consistent coaching.
“Training is only effective when reinforced through real-world practice and ongoing dialogue.”
AI’s role in training and education
All three safety experts spoke of the impact artificial intelligence has on worker training. Each stressed caution.
“There is a shift toward investing in digital platforms and virtual simulations,” Galloway said, “but this can never replace the value of hands-on, experiential learning.”
Although technology has a role, Piggee Johnson said, it should be used to “augment rather than replace people.”
One of the issues with AI-generated content is that it may contain inaccurate or incomplete information, Gislason cautioned, “making human oversight essential.”
AI has its benefits, of course, he added, such as “realistic simulations, adaptive learning and polished presentations that engage workers more effectively.” The challenge for employers is “balancing innovation with accuracy and ensuring technology supports, rather than replaces, sound instructional design.”
In Galloway’s opinion, effective safety training, no matter the method used, “must combine tactile experiences with emotional intelligence to achieve safety excellence.”
And there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. Galloway says training should be adaptable, customized to the worker’s learning style and incorporated into daily activities. “When employees participate in interactive, relevant and meaningful learning experiences that go beyond just following procedures or completing tasks, this tends to boost creativity and initiative,” he said.
“Taking this approach not only improves skills but also builds a more motivated and committed team, resulting in better organizational outcomes.”
Compiled with the assistance of the International Safety Equipment Association
Coming next month:
- AI solutions
- Head protection
- Protective clothing
