The safe on-the-job training (OJT) model of safety training is the most common and effective way to train employees in the workplace. OJT allows employees to learn by doing, which is more effective than learning from a book or instructor. In this blog post, we will discuss the purpose of the OJT model and how it can help your business stay safe!
Purpose Of The Safe On the Job Training (OJT)
OJT helps employees to become familiar with their work environment and develop the skills needed for specific tasks. It is a hands-on approach that allows employees to gain real-world experience in completing tasks and dealing with potential hazards or challenges. Through OJT, employees learn how to follow safety procedures and recognize and correct unsafe conditions.
The purpose of OJT is to ensure that employees are properly trained and able to perform their duties safely, efficiently, and effectively. It also allows employers to save money on training costs while ensuring a safe workplace for their workers. With the proper use of OJT, employers can reduce the risk of employee injuries and worker’s compensation claims.
OJT also benefits new employees, allowing them to get up-to-date with the organization’s safety protocols and procedures. New workers can get acquainted with their job duties and how to avoid any potential hazards without going through lengthy training sessions. This approach helps ensure that new hires are prepared and confident regarding on-the-job safety.
Overall, the safe on-the-job training (OJT) model of safety training is an effective way for employers to reduce workplace accidents, improve employee morale, and save money on training costs. By relying on OJT, businesses can ensure that their workers are properly trained and can do their jobs safely and efficiently. Through OJT, employers can provide a safe workplace for their employees while also reducing costs and improving morale.
Safe On-the-Job Training (OJT) Model
The Safe On-the-Job Training (OJT) model is a good method for training specific safety procedures. Measurement occurs throughout this process while keeping employees safe from injuring themselves while learning. If in using this training method, the employee is not exposed to hazards that could cause injury, you may be able to delete step 3. Otherwise, do not skip a step.
Step 1- Introduction
The instructor tells the trainee about the training. At this time, the instructor emphasizes the importance of the procedure to the success of the production/service goals, invites questions, and emphasizes accountability.
Step 2- Trainer Shows And Tells
In this step, the student becomes familiar with safe work practices in each step and why they are important. The trainer explains and demonstrates each step and responds to any student questions. The trainer continues to demonstrate and explain each step until the student understands what to do, when and why, and how to do it.
Step 3- The trainer Shows And Asks
The student tells the instructor how to do the procedure while the instructor does it. Including this step if the injury is possible; otherwise, this step is optional. There is an opportunity for the instructor to discover any misunderstanding and, at the same time, protect the student because the instructor still performs the procedure.
Step 4- Student Tells, Asks, And Shows
Now it’s the student’s turn. To further protect the employee, the Instructor must give permission for the student to perform each step. The student carries out the procedure but remains protected because he or she explains the process before actually performing the procedure.
Step 5: Trainer Concludes The Training
Once the formal training is finished, the trainer should:
- Recognize the student’s accomplishment – “Good job!”
- Reemphasize the importance of the procedure and how it fits into the overall process.
- Remind employees about their responsibilities and accountability by discussing the natural consequences (hurt/health) and system consequences (reprimand/reward).
Step 6: Trainer/Supervisor Validates The Training
After the conclusion of the OJT session, the trainer, or better yet, the supervisor, should observe the employee applying what they’ve learned in the actual work environment. Doing so results in strong documentation that helps to legally protect both the employee being trained and the employer.
Training Tip: To prove the employee has the knowledge and skills to do a job safely, have the employee teach you how to do the job. If the employee can effectively train you how to do the job, he or she is qualified, and you can sign them off. If they can’t, you should not qualify them; it’s time for some retraining.
By the way, When OSHA inspects, the compliance officer may ask employees about their job. The employees won’t be able to hide their ignorance, and it won’t take long for the compliance officer to determine if they are qualified to do the job.
Step 7: Trainer/Supervisor Documents The Training
The well-known OSHA adage, “if it isn’t in writing, it didn’t get done,” is true for any kind of safety training.
Training Documentation
For OJT safety training, documentation should be more than a mere attendance sheet. It should be a formal “certification.” Suppose the employer gives OSHA detailed safety training documentation in written certifications. In that case, OSHA will be impressed, and this “first impression” can go a long way in making the rest of an OSHA inspection a pleasant experience (if that is possible).
The Trainee Certifies:
- Training was accomplished
- Questions were answered
- Opportunities for practice were provided
- Accountabilities understood
- Intent to comply
The Instructor Certifies The Trainee Has, Through Evaluation:
- Demonstrated adequate knowledge
- Developed the skills to complete the procedures
