The rise in the use of online meeting platforms in recent years has opened doors for virtual events of all kinds. Although in-person training still has unquestionable value, virtual sessions offer unique advantages. They can reach employees in various locations, provide a more cost-effective option and offer easy access to recorded sessions for later viewing, among other benefits.
However, without careful planning, virtual safety training can feel disjointed, impersonal and forgettable. Done right, it can be highly effective. By thoughtfully organizing the content and delivery, you can create accessible and engaging virtual training sessions to educate your workers on safe practices.
Organize the learning environment
Creating a suitable learning environment requires a trusted platform and a knowledgeable trainer. It also benefits from the presence of a moderator.
The platform should be dependable and simple for your participants to access and navigate. Your trainer should be a subject matter expert in the content of your session, and the moderator should be familiar with the training material as well as the functionality of the learning platform.
Create conversational content
Even the best setup, however, won’t be effective without content that’s understandable, relatable and interesting. You can cultivate a memorable learning experience by developing a script for your trainer that addresses your learning objectives in a tone that’s conversational yet professional.
Make sure your trainer can speak clearly and calmly, presenting the material as you intend.
In a virtual session, holding your audience’s attention is especially imperative. Bring the material to life by incorporating real-world examples and case studies. Harness the visual power of the platform with infographics and photos to illustrate points. Include opportunities for active participation – polls can draw attention to important content, while questions such as “What would you do in this scenario?” or “How do you handle this type of situation?” can draw participants into the chat to interact.
Establish rules and processes
Once your learning environment is set and your content is mapped out, it’s important to schedule a practice session at least one week before your live training session. This is a time to assess the technical aspects of the training (audio, video, internet, platform functionality) and confirm individual responsibilities. Walk through the content, further refine the timing and flow, and verify that your slides and interactive elements are in order and functioning properly. Make any adjustments needed and finalize a contingency plan in the event of technical issues. Then you’ll be ready to deliver an impactful training session.
Evaluate for effectiveness
But you’re not done yet! Once complete, take the time to evaluate the training and find areas for improvement. Immediately seek feedback from your audience, either through a poll on the platform itself or via email. Also, survey your trainer and moderator for potential improvements. By collecting and analyzing these responses, you can further develop your presentation for the next time.
The Board of Certified Safety Professionals provides safety practitioners credentials they can achieve that demonstrate their value, advancing the careers of proven professionals, and protecting workplaces, communities and the environment. BCSP partners with Safety+Health to help certificants maintain certification via a monthly online quiz related to each issue of the magazine.
This article represents the views of the author and should not be construed as a National Safety Council endorsement.
Robin Marth, CSP, serves as training manager for the Board of Certified Safety Professionals. She develops and facilitates in-person and live online exam preparation courses. Marth has more than 20 years of EHS experience and a background in creating educational safety content for delivery through various media.
