Replies

1. 
   EdHarrow | Oct 14, 2004 06:22am | #1

   I'm two years and a world away from that, and, frankly, safety training is about the worst (well maybe software training is worse) sort of training I've ever managed to get myself tangled up in (ugh, poor grammar, that).

   A couple thoughts, and I've not now done a search on either of them:

   "Performance-based training" or "Usability engineering" (I think those are the terms).

   There was a group organized, I think, out of Motorola that was very big in performance-based training.  I read a book entitled Usability Engineering  The gist of this particular book was making software that was easy to use.  I think it is most important, esp with respect to safety issues, to realize that, while some processes can't be made safe, others can certainly be made safer.  Spending all kinds of time and money providing safety training for a process that can be made safe is DUMB.  I certainly saw a lot of training investments being made in areas where a bit of usability engineering would have eliminated the need for the training, and more effectively in terms of human injury, equipment damage, process up time, etc solved the problem.

   Good luck!

2. 
   301 | Oct 14, 2004 07:13am | #2

   I agree, safety training really is very poor.  Why?  Because the people who write the courses have never used the tools you have to use or been in the situations you have to work in.  They only talk in vauge generalities and make it hard (impossible/frustrating) to get any work done.

   Want to see some really pitiful, frustrating safety training?  Talk to Class 1 railroaders, oh my gosh!

3. 
   billsams | Oct 15, 2004 01:12am | #3

   I don't know if you want to go this route but.....Lonnie Bird represents different manufacturers in court cases regarding injuries by users on woodworking equipment. I am positive he has lots of insight into safety issues.

   Lonnie is a very personable and very easy to talk with. He also taught woodworking at the college level for over 13 years. You can contact Lonnie at http://www.lonniebird.com

   If you need to, you can tell him that I referenced this info to you.

   If this is not the direction or info you want or desire, then ignore this post.

   Bill Sams

1. 
   jazzdogg | Oct 15, 2004 08:16am | #5

   Thanks, Bill. I'll follow up with Mr. Bird.

   -Jazzdogg-

   Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, you're right.

4. 
   hammer1 | Oct 15, 2004 06:14am | #4

   When I was a vocational instructor safety training was a very important issue. We had many resources to help us put together successful programs.

   Vocational instructors are generally supported through your States University Technology Department. They offer courses in all types of areas from curriculum development, teaching students with special needs, evaluation and measurement as well as safety. Their courses are supported through their libraries and bookstores. This would be a good place to start for info on learning styles and teaching methods.

   Most states have extensive programs for safety training. There are numerous seminars, demonstrations and such that are available free of charge. These are found through your Department of Labor. Below is a web site that lists many of the programs by state.

   http://www.dir.ca.gov/chswc/TrainingProgramsResources/SurveyStates.html

   Vocational schools use a variety of training methods but their primary strength is providing hands on experience. The goal is to help students gain observable, measurable competencies. Students actually demonstrate their proficiencies in a job like setting. In providing the training for students a multi-faceted approach is used. These may include; text and workbooks, handouts, films, posters, demonstrations, lectures, tests and quizzes. Any of these can be altered to meet a special students needs. A student with reading comprehension problems could be given the quiz orally or a translator used for non- english speaking students. My most valuable evaluation tool was observation, could the student competently perform the task.

   Some specific safety areas have certification programs. These have guidelines that must be met in order to gain and maintain certification. The Red Cross first aid and CPR Instructor courses are an example. There are a wide variety of safety issues and training needs in the workplace. Many areas have multiple safety concerns. A training class in using a circular saw, for example, will cover much more than just the actual use of the saw. There will be topics on dress, personal protective equipment, electrical safety, material handling and so on. I don't think you are ever "done" with safety training so "follow up" is on going.

   Education is a complex topic, just as complex as the individuals you are trying to teach. Regardless of the subject matter, there is no one "best" way to present or evaluate a class. Good teachers, at any level, are always looking for better resources, different approaches and relevant means of measurement. There are accepted guidelines when it comes to specific areas such as tool operation. Safety operation guides are part of the owners manual and any tool manufacturer will send you safety information. Here are a couple of sites with info relevant to measurement and evaluation and links to other sources. If you have some specific questions, I'll try to help.

   http://www.ncme.org/

   http://www.natd.org/Code_of_Professional_Responsibilities.html

   Beat it to fit / Paint it to match

1. 
   jazzdogg | Oct 15, 2004 08:17am | #6

   Thanks, Hammer. The information you provided sounds very promising.

   -Jazzdogg-

   Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, you're right.