Most employees display attitudes of disinterest and dread at the thought of attending a safety training, which can leave the trainer feeling frustrated and unappreciated.
It is the trainer's duty to make safety training fun and educational, which will help the trainees to retain the information, enjoy the course, and apply the learning to their work and lives.
[2] An effective training program can reduce the number of injuries and deaths, property damage, legal liability, illnesses, workers' compensation claims, and missed time from work.
A 1998 NIOSH study concluded that the role of training in developing and maintaining effective hazard control activities is a proven and successful method of intervention.
These guidelines serve as a model for trainers to use in developing, organizing, evaluating, and editing their safety training programs.
Many standards promulgated by OSHA explicitly require the employer to train employees in the safety and health aspects of their jobs.
Other OSHA standards make it the employer's responsibility to limit certain job assignments to employees who are "certified," "competent," or "qualified"—meaning that they have had special previous training, in or out of the workplace.
These requirements reflect OSHA's belief that training is an essential part of every employer's safety and health program for protecting workers from injuries and illnesses.
Sometimes, however, the situation cannot be mitigated through the use of training and other methods, such as the establishment of engineering controls, may be needed to ensure worker safety.
Clearly established objectives also help focus the evaluation process on those skill sets and knowledge requirements necessary to perform the job safely.
Trainers can also include role-playing, live demonstrations, and round-table group discussions to stimulate employee participation.