Training is an essential component of an effective safety and health program addressing the responsibilities of both management and employees at the site. Training is most effective when incorporated into other education on performance requirements and job practices.
Training programs should be provided as follows:
- Initially when the safety and health plan is developed
- For all new employees before beginning work
- When new equipment, materials, or processes are introduced
- When procedures have been updated or revised
- When experiences/operations show that employee performance must be improved
- At least annually
Besides the standard training, employees should also be trained in the recognition of hazards – be able to look at an operation and identify unsafe acts and conditions. A list of typical hazards employees should be able to recognize may include:
- Fall Hazards – Falls from: Floors, Roofs and roof openings, Ladders (Straight and Step), Scaffolds, Wall openings, Tripping, Trenches, Steel Erection, Stairs, Chairs
- Electrical Hazards – Appliances, Damaged cords, Outlets, Overloads, Overhead High Voltage, Extension cords, Portable Tools (broken casing or damaged wiring), Grounding, Metal Boxes, Switches, Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI)
- Housekeeping Issues – Exits, Walkways, Floors, Trash, Storage of Materials (Hazardous and Non-Hazardous), Protruding Nails etc,.
- Fire Hazards – Oily, Dirty Rags, Combustibles, Fuel Gas Cylinders, Exits (blocked) Trips/Slips Stairs, Un-even flooring, Electrical cords, icy walkways
- Health Hazards – Silicosis, Asbestos, Loss of hearing, Eye injury due to flying objects Employees trained in the recognition and reporting of hazards and supervisors/foremen trained in the correction of hazards will substantially reduce the likelihood of a serious injury.
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