Now, I know some of you might be thinking, “Gary, why are you talking about this? Isn’t this just common sense?” Well, you might be surprised to learn that not all businesses are doing this, and it’s something that really needs to change.
First things first, let’s talk about what a safe work method statement actually is. It’s basically a document that outlines the potential hazards and risks associated with a particular task or job, and provides step-by-step instructions on how to complete that task safely.
Now, you might be thinking, “Okay, that makes sense, but why do I need to bother with this? I already know how to do my job.” But the reality is, accidents can happen at any time, and it’s important to have measures in place to prevent them. By providing training to employees on safe work method statements, you’re not only helping to ensure their safety, but you’re also protecting your business from potential legal and financial consequences.
So, how do you go about providing this training? Well, there are a few different approaches you can take. First of all, you could hire an external trainer or consultant who specialises in this area. They can come in and provide hands-on training to your employees, and make sure everyone is up to speed on the latest safety protocols and procedures.
Alternatively, you could provide in-house training to your employees. This might involve having a designated safety officer within your organisation who is responsible for creating and delivering the training, or it could involve assigning different employees to take on this role on a rotating basis.
Regardless of which approach you take, there are a few key things you’ll want to keep in mind. Firstly, make sure the training is comprehensive and covers all the relevant topics. This might include things like hazard identification and risk assessment, emergency procedures, and personal protective equipment.
Secondly, make sure the training is practical and hands-on. Your employees need to be able to apply what they’ve learned in real-life situations, so make sure you’re providing opportunities for them to practice and test their skills.
Finally, make sure the training is ongoing. Safety protocols and procedures can change over time, so it’s important to regularly review and update your training materials to ensure they’re still relevant and effective.
Now, I know some of you might be thinking, “Okay, this all sounds great, but how do I actually get my employees to engage with this training? It sounds kind of boring.” Well, I’m glad you asked, because there are a few things you can do to make the training more engaging and effective.
Firstly, make sure you’re presenting the information in a way that’s easy to understand and follow. Avoid using technical jargon or complicated language, and try to use visuals and real-life examples wherever possible.
Secondly, make it interactive. Encourage your employees to ask questions, participate in group discussions, and share their own experiences and insights.
Finally, make it fun! Yes, safety training can be fun. You could try gamifying the training, for example, by setting up quizzes or competitions to see who can identify hazards the fastest.
At the end of the day, providing training to employees on safe work method statements is not only the right thing to do, but it’s also good for your business. By taking the time to invest in your employees’ safety and wellbeing, you’re also investing in the long-term success of your organisation.
So, I challenge you all to make this a priority in your business. Whether you’re a small startup or a large corporation, there’s always room for improvement when it comes to safety. By providing training to your employees, you’re not only reducing the risk of accidents and injuries, but you’re also building a culture of safety within your organisation.