A Recent Article by EHS Asks the Question:
“What if, instead of analyzing an injury after it happened, you could see a trend towards imminent injury and prevent it?”
This article by Carol Leaman of EHS Today examines what happens if you take a proactive approach to learning and performance.
Safety Knowledge Isn’t the Only Factor
With OSHA’s recent rule to modernize injury data collection, it’s not enough to simply train employees on safety. It may force businesses to become more active in reducing workplace injury or illness by opening up data to public scrutiny.
When employees know how to safely operate equipment, properly work with hazardous materials and understand what to do if something happens, a great foundation of safety is laid. However, most companies simply carry out training and record incidents when they happen.
They don’t understand why safety incidents happen, and how to use that information to decrease numbers.
The article suggests that companies can:
- Define what employees to to know, and do, to create a safer workplace
- Continuously evaluate, observe and document employees, and what influences their performance
- Constantly compare current information against targets in order to uncover trends
- Understand which employees need to change behaviors, and what training is required
- Quickly and easily modify training programs
A Proactive Approach to Performance
Learning Management Systems (LMS) can help you achieve better safety records by allowing companies to track results and behaviors, compare results against targets and apply that learning to making your facility safer.
When you have the right data, coupled with the ability to sort, filter, refine and scale, trends become more apparent. LMS can allow a company to see information as a whole, or broken down by region, facility, department and more.
Being proactive with the data helps to prevent future incidents by addressing the core issues.
Improved Knowledge = Reduced Risk
The article goes on to cite 2 large companies who implemented LMS with great success. Both Bloomingdale’s and Walmart experienced a reduction in incidents, improved employee behavior and ultimately saved millions in OHSA recordables.
They used a ‘microlearning’ solution, which included short bursts of training delivered during each shift to help employees learn best practices and remember them on the job. The continuous learning has made all the difference!
The most important factor in decreasing safety incidents is the employees themselves.
With OSHA’s new reporting requirements, ensuring the safety of your team is paramount. The key is knowledge, skill and commitment to continually maintain and improve safe practices.
Will the new OSHA regulations change the way your organization approaches safety?
Let us know in the comments or on social media.
