Worker industrial safety training

By Catalogs Editorial Staff

Safety training for workers in industrial settings is key for an efficient, prod

Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations often require that workplaces conduct training to institute specific means and methods of safety. Personal protective equipment, or PPE, must be supplied by employers where workers may be exposed to harmful products, procedures or equipment. Employers must also train workers on the use of personal protective equipment is imperative.

Regardless of the current status of any regulations, many employers, especially in the manufacturing and construction fields – and those that use machines like die cutting tools – recognize the need for worker industrial safety training and general employee workplace safety training. Employers understand that training in the use of PPE and safety equipment is integral to making the investment in safety pay off.

For example, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, also know as OSHA, does not regulate the employee use of company motor vehicles. OSHA has however issued specific guidelines for employers to reduce motor vehicle incidents. OSHA recommends that employers have an effective in-house driver safety program that reduces the risk of accidents. Driver safety programs would include management personnel as well as involvement from an employee representative.

As with most safety training an employer commits to, support and enforcement of the program is integral. The input of employees is key to how well worker safety training functions. Worker industrial safety training must encompass policies and procedures in written form for reference. Workplace safety directors should be appointed to liaison between management and staff.

Training supervisors engaged by businesses should have passed a certified OSHA safety course. A training supervisor will schedule and oversee regular worker industrial safety training, meetings and general workplace training classes. A highly qualified training supervisor will also institute a work practice control program. Key elements of a good work practice program include instruction in proper work techniques, regular monitoring of employee tasks, feedback during meetings, adjustments for specific industries, employee conditioning and safety rewards.

Tool and equipment safety training can be implemented by specific manufacturers. These are particularly important in industries where special knowledge and skill are required to operate and maintain machinery, chemicals and tools. Representatives from the seller of tools and equipment can attend training classes to convey their expertise on specifics related to special tools and equipment. This adds value to training and is especially effective in reducing incorrect and unsafe usage of equipment.

Safety behavior must also be taught and reinforced. Jobs can expose workers to tasks that are special in nature and require specific action to avoid injury. A good example are tasks like lifting large or bulky objectives and the application of ergonomics to the workplace. Training on how to make repetitive motions without injury will follow specific guidelines.

OSHA requirements along with common sense practices should guide employers as they provide the necessary tools, gear, uniforms and clothing, equipment and training for worker safety. No task is too small that it does not require a guideline. No tool or safety device is to simple that it does not require direction. An example would be hearing protection. Simple ear plugs if used backwards actually increase inner ear vibrations. Pneumatic nail guns if used at the wrong pressure can injure through explosion, and they can damage valuable products during manufacture or assembly.

Proper worker industrial safety training and follow up as to the use and procedures of OSHA required equipment is key to a safe work place.

References:
CDC: Workplace Safety
Nonprofit Risk Management Center: Workplace safety toolkit