Construction safety training plays a significant role in helping employees work safely, and it is often mandated by law. Training provides knowledge and skills that build worker confidence and equips them with the information they need to identify and mitigate operational hazards. The construction safety consultant team at Capital Safety Services knows, however, that safety training alone is not enough to ensure an effective safety program.

Construction Safety Training Doesn’t Always Translate to the Desired Results

Construction safety training is often designed to satisfy regulatory requirements. Meeting the minimum requirements, however, does not always result in effective safety performance. Success is often defined by attendance and completion of the training courses rather than demonstrated competence. As a result, workers oftentimes check the box without absorbing the material as a true learning experience.

Worksite Pressures & Poor Culture Contribute to Non-Compliance

Despite having construction safety training courses under their belt, some employees may become complacent, revert to old habits, or take shortcuts, particularly when under pressure. Our construction safety consultant team has seen it many times over and they understand how a variety of factors can result in accidents and bad safety habits.

One-Size-Fits-All Construction Safety Training Misses Real World Hazards

Generic construction safety training often fails to address the specific risks that workers will face on the jobsite. When this happens, employees are not able to translate learnings to the actual hazards in the field. When training makes reference to actual jobsite conditions and responsibilities, employees are more likely to act according to the teachings.

Outcome-based construction safety training goes beyond the workbook. At capital Safety Services, our training staff cites real world examples and can assess your worksite to develop training that is specifically tailored to your needs. Instead of a passive learning environment, we encourage participation and assess participants proficiency.

Hazzard Recognition

Being able to identify and mitigate safety risks before they occur is an essential part in building an effective safety and health program. When safety training includes interactive methods such as “hands on training”, workers learn to spot hazards in real time. As a result, safety becomes more of a proactive process than a reactive one.

In a further effort to empower workers to take control, training should include trainee input and use relevant examples. Instead of providing the answers to safety related challenges, real world challenges should be provided that requires workers to identify the hazard, and come up with the safest approach. A full understanding about the safety features and hazards of their tools and equipment is also essential.

Reinforce Safety Training Throughout the Year

Supervisors and Managers are encouraged to lead by example, and support formal training with additional, ongoing reinforcement outside of the classroom. Toolbox talks, safety meetings, and field coaching all help to continually drive home the message.

How a Construction Safety Consultant Can Help

Bringing in a construction safety consultant can help to identify gaps, and develop specific plans to improve existing safety programs. This is an important supplement to traditional training and helps ensure the learnings are being adhered to. It also helps address several other factors that are not covered in traditional training.

One of the first steps a construction safety consultant will take is to evaluate the current program. Consultants assess whether the current setup is properly addressing risks. They will also identify gaps between program protocol and employee behavior. And they will address methods designed to build a strong safety culture.

When existing programs are identified as needing improvement, a consultant will develop a customized solution that is relevant to employees’ direct responsibilities. They are also designed to be engaging and practical.

How a Construction Safety Consultant Helps Turn Training into Results

Training is one of the most important tools for reducing workplace injuries. Using the right training styles, methods and curriculum are critical for success. Organizations that combine engaging training, leadership involvement and ongoing assessment/reinforcement, are far more likely to achieve their goals. A construction safety consultant can help bridge the gap between hazard identification, training and performance. Click Here reach out to Capital Safety Services to learn more about our services and specific safety course offerings.