Workplace safety plays an integral part in the day to day operations in any company, which ultimately increases productivity and your bottom line.  Without safety, workers are exposed to dangerous situations, reckless activities and threat of injury or illness, or even death.

Here’s some interesting statistics: Only 1 in 5 new workers receive safety training.  That’s a scary thought. That means that 80% of new hires are sent to perform their work tasks without proper training and knowledge of workplace hazards.  It’s no surprise that workers in their first month are three times as more likely to lose work days due to injuries, as opposed to workers who have have employed longer.

Read More Safety Training Considerations

Why should you institute annual refresher safety training?

First and foremost, annual safety training is required by the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA).  If an OSHA inspector were to show up at your facility, one of the things they will ask for is a copy of the company health and safety manual, and safety training records.  We have also found that clients require hired companies be in compliance with required OSHA training.  Don’t risk not being able to perform work for a great and profitable client.

Secondly, safety training is crucial to reducing workplace accidents.  Common words that are said by employees involved in accidents are: “I didn’t think”, “I didn’t see”, and “I didn’t know.”  The last phrase,”I didn’t know”, is absolutely unacceptable.  Make it a priority to see that workers complete adequate safety training before they begin work on their own.

Read More About the Changes to Tracking Workplace Injuries

Lastly, enforcing annual training creates a culture of safety.  A safety culture has to begin with top management in order for workers to accept and appreciate workplace safety.  If their managers or supervisors do not follow safety procedures, then why should they?  Additionally, you as an employer are investing in your workers when you provide any type of training, including skilled training and safety training.  A safer workplace increases productivity by not having loss of days due to injuries and can minimize OSHA recordables which lowers the TRIR.

What are the required annual safety training topics?

OSHA provides an extensive review of what training is required and when. The publication can be found here or you can visit www.osha.gov.

Notable OSHA Required Annual Training:

• Bloodborne Pathogens
• Confined Space (Non-Permit & Permit Required)
• Lockout/Tagout
• Fall Protection
• Fire Safety & Fire Extinguishing Systems
• Hazard Communication
• Hearing Protection
• First Aid/CPR
• Respiratory Protection

There are several other safety topics that require training periodically or when standards/procedures change.  For example, ladder safety training should be implemented when equipment changes.  However, we do recommend including ladder safety in annual training.

Need guidance on annual safety training?  Call SRP and speak to one of our safety consultants to develop a custom training program to meet the needs of your company.  Call us at (318) 222-2364 or visit us online.   We have seven convenient locations in Charlotte, Dallas, Denver, Honolulu, Midland, Shreveport and Pittsburgh.  Located elsewhere? Let us come to you.