ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF LABOR TALKS SAFETY TRAINING
In this installment from the Illinois Department of Labor’s On-Site Safety and Health Consultation Program, we will discuss what training is, how to identify required training, resources to develop your own and how to pick authorized trainers.
What constitutes training? While various standards have specific training requirements and methods, the key to meeting OSHA training requirements is to present the training in a language and vocabulary that the workers are familiar with. Training must be interactive, allowing employees to ask questions and receive clarification and empowering them to take an active role in their safety. The evaluation component verifies information retention. Retraining, if necessary, further reinforces their responsibility in the training process.
OSHA has unequivocally stated that online-only computer-based training, without a hands-on skill component or verification, is insufficient to meet most of OSHA’s training requirements. It’s important to note that the use of computer-based training alone would not align with the intent of most standards, as they often necessitate site-specific elements and tailored training to meet assigned duties. Hands-on training and exercises are crucial and will satisfy the evaluation component, providing employees with the opportunity to become familiar with equipment, personal protective equipment, and safe practices.
What training is required?
More than 100 of OSHA’s current standards contain requirements for training. A professional doesn’t need to know all the answers, but they need to know where to find them. OSHA’s Training Requirements in OSHA Standards, publication 2254-09R 2015, is where to find the answers to this question. The booklet lays out the essential training requirements by topic and standard. While this booklet compiles training requirements, it excludes posting requirements for warning signs, labels, and the like. The safety professional can trust OSHA’s Small Business Safety and Health Handbook, publication 2209-01R 2024, to provide those answers. Maintaining a record of all safety and health training is not just essential; it’s a crucial part of being prepared for potential OSHA inspections. It can provide a clear answer to one of the first questions an OSHA inspector will ask: “Did the employee receive adequate training to perform this task?”
Susan Hardwood Training Material.
OSHA has paid for, approved and published training materials so employers can download and tailor the training to meet their needs. This initiative from OSHA provides a wealth of resources for employers, ensuring they have the necessary tools to train their employees effectively. Anyone can access and download the Susan Hardwood training material from OSHA.gov. The training material covers a variety of topics and is available for download in Microsoft PowerPoint or Adobe PDF formats. The course material follows OSHA’s adult education model, including pre- and post-tests developed for the end-user. The keyboard shortcut function of Ctrl+F will reduce time while searching the hundreds of training topics and resources.
Authorized Trainers? Many
OSHA standards mandate a minimum level of experience or education to be authorized to conduct training. The OSHA’s Training Requirements in OSHA Standards booklet outlines trainer requirements in addition to standard-specific training requirements. For employers without the staffing or competency to meet this requirement, regional National Safety Education Centers can fill the training needs gap. Within Illinois, Northern Illinois University and within Missouri, Saint Louis University are the authorized OSHA education centers. This is not to say that non-OSHA education center trainers are not certified or that those classes would not meet the standard. However, by being an authorized OSHA education center, both Saint Louis and Northern Illinois University curricula have been audited, and users are guaranteed that this material will satisfy OSHA requirements.
Don’t know where to start?
Leveraging the Illinois On-Site Safety and Health Consultation Program can be an invaluable resource for businesses looking to determine training requirements and hazard identification. The Illinois Department of Labor offers free and confidential assistance to small and medium-sized businesses. The consultation services provided include on-site visits, hazard identification, program development, and limited safety training, all of which can contribute to creating a safer and healthier work environment and potentially lowering your worker compensation insurance. Visit Worksafe.illinois.gov or contact Harry (Hap) Hileman with the Illinois Department of Labor at 217-993-2111 for more information about this free and confidential program brought to you by the State of Illinois.