Increase productivity, reduce workplace injuries with better safety training
Construction is an expansive business, there are a lot of moving parts to the industry. With so many different roles on a job site (electrician, steamfitter, bricklayer, etc.) there are also a number of inherent hazards that these different workers face. In Ontario alone, the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development revealed that 22 workers had died on the job in 2021.
This is why construction firms need hefty health and safety programs, because without proper oversight and expertise, workers are being exposed to potentially severe injuries and even death. One very big part of a strong safety program is training. Safety training in the construction industry covers quite a lot of ground and can be difficult to navigate – but it is entirely necessary.
It helps to reduce workplace accidents and injuries. First and foremost, proper safety training directly helps in reducing unnecessary accidents and injuries on site. This is the case in any industry, and especially in safety. With some many different machines and personal protective equipment (PPE) at hand, safety professionals have to make sure that workers know what they’re doing.
Read more: How do we level up construction safety?
In addition, strong safety programs (which include proper training) also help prevent accidents and injuries at home as well, because they empower workers with the right attitudes and behaviours that they can apply whether at home or at work.
It will boost productivity amongst workers. Directly linked to the first point, having better educated and better trained workers will help boost productivity. By reducing accidents and injuries on site, fewer workers will be forced to stay at home or calling in sick.
It will help cut unnecessary costs. By now, you should know that workplace injuries are incredibly costly for businesses. Though employers should always have the safety of employees top of mind, making them understand the financial implications of poor safety practices certainly won’t do any harm. Safety training can help prevent unsafe work behaviours, leading employers to spend less money on workplace injuries. It’s basically a win-win for everyone involved.
Read more: Strong leadership skills key to success in construction safety
There will be accurate documentation. While a lot of safety training is focused on hazard prevention, it also goes into what to do if or when an accident actually happens. Safety professionals will know, injuries encur a lot of paperwork. And employers also need to be keeping track of these accidents, injuries and near-misses. Proper safety training not only improves worksite behaviours, it also leads to better compliance – and a better understanding of accessing, filling out and filing documentation.
It enhances workplace communication. By empowering workers with the right information, it gives them more confidence – and confident workers are more likely to open up and raise their hand up if they see something which needs changing. By having everyone on the same page with the right safety training, workers will be able to better communicate and understand each other. Ultimately, creating better paths of communication improves safety.
