Many forms of safety training are ineffective in bringing behavioral changes. To improve safety outcomes, we need to look at how people are being trained.
Is Ineffective Safety Training Costing Your Company?
Safety is a priority for many employers; however, small businesses often lack the resources to build a true safety culture. Consider these survey results:
- 42% of workers feel they don’t have proper safety training
- 39% of workers say a lack of training led to a serious injury in their workplace
- 66% of companies report that employees do not follow their safety program
Many small businesses invest in safety; however, if training doesn’t stick or employees don’t follow the safety program, these are sunk costs.
The additional costs incurred with poor safety training are considerable.
- The average total cost of an injury needing medical attention is $44,000
- The average cost of a workplace fatality is $1,300,000
- The OSHA Penalty for both serious and other-than-serious violations is $15,625
- $156,259 is the OSHA penalty for a willful or repeated violation
With all the potential costs, it’s important to focus on key activities that actually improve safety results.
Why Micro-Learning is Effective
Today’s world is filled with distraction. Many of us suffer from shorter attention spans and the alure of instant gratification.
Science helps us identify where education can be most effective:
Reinforce what you want your employees to learn! Don’t just teach a concept once and then move on – 75% of new information is forgotten if not reinforced consistently. Repeated exposure and practical application are keys to long term knowledge retention.
More knowledge is retained when micro-learning is used. Instead of one long training session, break it up into 3 – 7 minute bursts. 80% more knowledge is retained when micro-learning is used.
Increase the number of employees who follow your safety program. Employees are 68% more likely to follow safety protocols when they reach 20 hours of annual training. Hitting this mark requires only 23 minutes a week!
When behaviors and actions reflect the intent of an effective safety program, everyone benefits.
Effective Workplace Safety Brings Big Savings
OSHA estimates that every $1 spent on safety yields between $4 – $6 in savings.
According to the National Safety Council, companies with a strong commitment to safety experience a 12% reduction in injury rates and a 13% productivity boost.
Cost savings come from a number of different areas, including:
- Fewer Injuries results in fewer claims results in lower workers comp costs
- Positive company reputation among investors, customers and your community
- Increased employee morale, productivity and retention
- Fewer investigations and lawsuits
- A better safety record gives you a better chance to win bids
- Avoidance of regulatory fines and penalties
We know that running an effective safety training program takes significant time and resources. Let us help you lighten your load while improving your bottom line – we are here to help!
No Amount of Insurance Can Prevent an Injury or Fatality
This is why we work closely with our clients to develop customized safety training at no cost. We believe that employers who want to invest in safety training that really works deserve our support – and we’re happy to provide it!
Learn more about our safety programs and how we can help you through our Prevention First Approach.
Ready to learn more? Schedule an introductory call with us today!