The role of employee engagement in retaining safety knowledge
Every year, thousands of workers face preventable accidents, not always because of a lack of information but because of how that information is transmitted and absorbed. Traditional safety training has become a predictable ritual of checkboxes and mandatory sessions, often leaving employees more bored than informed.
Imagine a workplace where safety training isn't about passive absorption but active participation. Where every employee doesn't just know the safety protocols, but understands them deeply and feels motivated to apply them. This is the promise of active safety training.
Active and passive safety training: What’s the difference?
Active training involves hands-on experiences, simulations and interactive learning. Employees participate directly, which helps them internalize safety practices. For instance, practicing emergency procedures in a controlled environment builds muscle memory, encouraging quicker responses in real scenarios.
In contrast, passive training relies on lectures, videos and reading materials. While this method efficiently delivers information, it may lack the engagement needed for deep retention. Employees may more easily forget concepts if they don’t actively apply them during training.
Key takeaway: Active training is more engaging and effective for retaining safety knowledge, but combining both methods can create a comprehensive approach.
Why employee engagement matters
Engaged employees will naturally take safety protocols more seriously. When they feel valued and involved, they pay closer attention to training sessions and proactively address safety concerns.
Experts say engaged employees are 64% more likely to report hazards than disengaged workers. They are also presumably more prone to protect a co-worker. This proactive approach can significantly decrease workplace accidents and nurture a culture of safety.
Encourage participation by:
- Asking employees for input on safety protocols.
- Incorporating real-life scenarios relevant to their roles.
- Recognizing employees who demonstrate exemplary safety practices.
Impact of fatigue on workplace safety
Fatigue undermines safety efforts, no matter how robust the training is. A staggering 43% of workers report being sleep-deprived, with night shift workers particularly affected. Chronic sleep deprivation not only hampers focus but also increases the likelihood of accidents and injuries.
For example, working after being awake for 20 hours is comparable to having a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08%, the legal limit in all Canadian provinces. Fatigue also contributes to long-term health issues like cardiovascular disease and depression, which can lower employee productivity and safety awareness.
Solution: Promote workplace wellness by encouraging employees to prioritize rest and consider flexible scheduling for night shift workers. Incorporating discussions about sleep hygiene into safety training can also raise awareness.
Interactive techniques to boost engagement
To maximize the benefits of active training, consider innovative techniques that keep employees engaged, such as:
- Gamification: Incorporate quizzes, competitions or point systems for correctly following safety protocols.
- Virtual Reality (VR) simulations: Encourage employees to practice responses to hazards in a controlled virtual environment.
- Scenario-based discussions: Create group exercises where employees brainstorm solutions to safety challenges.
These methods make learning enjoyable and help employees better retain critical information.
Monitoring and reinforcing safety knowledge
Retention doesn’t end with training sessions. Regular reinforcement ensures that employees continue to apply safety knowledge effectively. Use strategies like:
- Periodic refresher courses: Reinforce key concepts to prevent knowledge decay.
- Engagement surveys: Gauge employees' feelings about training sessions and adapt them based on feedback.
- Safety audits: Conduct on-the-spot evaluations to ensure employees apply what they’ve learned.
Fostering a culture of ongoing learning creates a safety-first environment.
The role of collaborative safety
In Canada, workplace safety laws emphasize the importance of collaboration between employers and employees. The Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) regulations mandate joint health and safety committees for many industries. Leveraging these committees can improve employee engagement in safety initiatives.
Companies with more than 300 workers must also allow their staff to contribute to managing health and safety in the workplace. By involving employees in decision-making while adhering to Canadian OHS standards, businesses enhance their commitment to maintaining a safe workplace.
Final thoughts: Empowering employees for lasting impact
Active and passive safety training have their merits, but employee engagement is linked to retaining and applying safety knowledge. An engaged workforce is more likely to take ownership of safety practices, report hazards and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement.
