Considering high-profile news items and widespread concern over a wealth of EHS (environment, health, and safety) issues as well as state and federal regulations, companies must often conduct specific EHS trainings. They may target safety procedures, environmental dangers, health hazards, or a number of critical issues, but these sessions can be dull and repetitive. Plant managers and department supervisors may know their stuff, but teaching it is another thing. The challenge is to provide timely and accurate information in an interesting way.

Health and safety trainings can easily fall into routine replays of well-meaning standards and precautionary measures. The following tips are suggested to liven up those EHS trainings:

• Identify your learning objectives—structure the course around a mental model workers can understand, based on information and procedures they will use 
• Know your audience—focus on the target group and be aware of what they already know
• Adjust for attitudes—realize that attitudes can be shaped so learned concepts will be used
• Engage and interact—involve learners and don’t be afraid of losing control of the class
• Use visuals that matter—keep graphics relevant, and try the assertion-evidence PowerPoints
• Vary your methods—don’t just lecture, but add brain teasers, exercises, and case studies
• Be an entertainer—add a joke, game, or amusing video if it’s brief and appropriate
• Use media wisely—don’t add audio, video, or interactive media without a purpose
• Make it personal—show how unsafe practices or negligent behaviors can impact their lives
• Train yourself—admit that not everyone is a natural trainer, so consider professional help

1. What are some basic techniques for planning and conducting an effective training session, regardless of the topic?    

2. What are an employer’s responsibilities concerning worker welfare in the areas of EHS? What are some common hazards, and what procedures are used to address these, beyond trainings? 

3. What federal agency issues regulations and monitors compliance of standards for those who work with environmental, health, or safety hazards? What areas are covered in its guidelines that might be discussed in EHS trainings?  

“Top 10 tips for more effective EHS training: take your training methods from blah to brilliant with these 10 tips,” EHS Today, Feb 2009 v2 i2 p35(3).