Training workers for safety in the workplace is a critical piece of compliance, no matter the industry, but training usually represents traditional forms like paper where it often becomes time-consuming, variable, and tracker. Consequently, a growing number are pointing out the speed, engagement, and measurable ability of digital safety training by using robust EHS management software. No matter the industry, construction, manufacturing, health care etc., embracing professional services and incorporating new tools can make training more efficacious and decrease risk.

Why Digital Tools are Transforming Safety Training

The way organizations approach safety programs has been transformed completely through digital technology. Rather than having to schedule multiple in person sessions or rely on a manual checklist, a digital safety training program creates interactive modules, video demonstrations, and tracks progress automatically.

For industries that face higher hazards (such as construction), as well as many other industries, implementing EHS software for construction, it allows workers to gain equal, relevant, and up-to-date safety information without location restrictions. All of which creates greater time efficiency. Utilizing EHS software for construction also supports compliance regarding workplace safety, with accurate documentation of who received training and when.

Key Benefits of Digital Safety Training

1. Better Accessibility

Digital safety training provides employees with the freedom to participate in training anytime and from everywhere, with computers and handheld devices (tablets, smartphones). This is very valuable for field employees who may not get into the classroom very frequently.

2. Real-Time Tracking and Reporting

Most EHS management software also offers real-time tracking of employee training which leads to improved identification of gaps in training and employee training status for safety managers. For example, EHS software for construction can track who has completed hazard-specific training before entering a high-risk area.

3. Cost Benefit

By using online modules, you are already eliminating printing costs (if any) and travel time, while still achieving the same (or better) quality of training experience and meeting your administrative burden for workplace safety compliance.

4. Customization and Relevance

Digital training can also provide customization for specific job roles, departments, or sites, straying even further from irrelevant training sessions in the process of passing the training.

Essential Digital Tools for Streamlining Safety Training

1. Learning Management Systems (LMS) for Safety

A learning management system (LMS) is the foundation for digital safety training. It organized training modules, tracks progress, and holds completion records that may be required for workplace safety compliance audits.

2. Mobile safety apps

Mobile safety apps connected to EHS (environmental health and safety) management software enable staff to complete training on their mobile device, whilst on the road. They can also receive push notifications about new items delivered either by administrative action in EHS software, or planned training sessions with a committee that meets quarterly.

3. Interactive Video and VR training

Delivering safety training experiences to employees is easier and more engaging using virtual reality (VR) and 360-degree video simulations. There are significant positive impacts on employee retention of critical safety lessons. For example, EHS software and digital safety training systems geared towards training construction workers may offer VR simulations to train on fall prevention, or how to operate heavy equipment in a safe, virtual environment.

4. Compliance tracking tools

Integrated compliance modules available to organizations through their EHS management software will ensure every training session is documented and can be retrieved easily during an audit of workplace safety compliance inspections.

Best Practices for Implementing Digital Safety Training

Conduct a Needs Assessment

Before selecting a digital safety training platform, you should assess your company's safety needs. Know your high-risk jobs, your regulatory requirements and your employees skills' gaps.  

Choosing the Right EHS Software

When selecting EHS management software, you will want to choose EHS software that offers customizable options so you can build an EHS training program designed for your industry. In the case of EHS software for construction, for example, you'll be able to include site specific hazard modules. 

Integrate with Your Existing Systems 

To make your job easier, you should integrate digital safety training administration with your existing HR or operational software, creating a single source of truth for your workplace safety compliance documentation and records of your safety training programs. 

Fostering Continuous learning

Safety is not a one time event; you should be using EHS management software to schedule refresher courses and send safety updates to employees on an ongoing basis.

Overcoming Challenges in Digital Safety Training

Although digital safety training has many benefits, some employees may be reticent to adopt a novel technology. Using an easy-to-use platform, providing initial training in person, and offering strong IT support will help with this transition.

In industries such as construction, employing mobile-friendly, EHS software for construction-based field environments will help mitigate these concerns. In addition, simply communicating how digital tools can help improve workplace safety compliance will contribute to securing buy-in from staff.

Future Trends in Safety Training Technology

Personalization and automation are the future of digital safety training. Artificial intelligence (AI) can scrutinize training data from environmental, health, and safety (EHS) management software to identify patterns and predict employees who might require further training.

As an example in construction, EHS software can track incidents and automatically assign training pertinent to the incident to prevent it from occurring again. This proactive approach will increase workplace safety compliance and better control risk.

Conclusion

Today’s fast-paced work environments require more than just traditional training methods. Digital safety training that is supported by leading EHS management software provides greater accessibility, tracking, and engagement. EHS software for construction, especially for high-risk jobs, ensures all training content is relevant, mobile-ready, and site-specific.

By adopting these types of tools companies can not only see better safety outcomes but will manage workplace safety compliance without the hassle of administrative overhead that paper systems require. At Salomi, we have experienced the pain points companies endure when trying to keep their teams safe and compliant; let our expertise in digital safety training solutions keep you ahead of the regulatory requirements, and help you achieve organizational safety at every level.