What is training?
Training programs offered by your health and safety association, are based on real workplace conditions and situations. The topics, information and materials are relevant, interesting and applicable, and address technical, legislative and general health and safety requirements. Training takes many forms and may include traditional classroom, on-line or web-based, self-learning applications, informal lunch-and-learn sessions, or on-the-job skill training. The portfolio of courses covers the full range of health and safety issues.
What the law says
Health and safety and prevention training is critical to keeping workers safe and workplaces free from incidents. All workers have a right to know about hazards in the workplace and to receive appropriate health and safety training. The law is specific about this: Section 25(2)(a) of the Occupational Health & Safety Act states that ". . . an employer shall provide information, instruction and supervision to a worker to protect the health or safety of the worker."
How training can help your business
How many injuries did your company have in the last year? What did they cost your organization? Workplace incidents and injuries can be prevented. Businesses that have taken the initiative to prevent incidents have lower injury rates than competitors who have not.
Organizations that have implemented effective safety management systems do so not just because of concern for their employees, or for legal compliance, but because they understand that superior health and safety results leads to
- lower costs
- improved employee relations and employee trust
- improved productivity
- improved protection from business interruption
- increased public trust and improved public image
- increased organizational capability and product/service reliability
Providing health and safety training, implemented as part of a sound health and safety policy and program, can have positive results on quality and profitability.
What you can do
Evaluate your current health and safety program and determine where additional training may be required. Contact your industry’s health and safety association to learn more about what training is available.