Education and training

New technologies have made it easier to offer frequent toolbox talks with the most up-to-date information on safety regulations and protocols. Devices such as tablets, iPads and smartphones can be used for conducting OSHA and company training and for communicating notifications and hazard warnings in real time. These devices can also be used to easily record, report and submit injury and illness data while allowing workers and managers to check safety regulations, policies and procedures. 

There are increasingly more mobile apps targeted at safety training to help streamline and facilitate learning. Although learning management systems (LMS) are not new, they are becoming more accessible and valuable. An LMS can help workers take online courses at their own pace and availability. Often these programs correspond with state, federal and local regulations as well as job-specific tasks. 

Education and training can now be delivered virtually. Workers no longer have to rely solely on in-person courses—training can occur virtually in the form of video calls or webinars.

Using emerging tech to train

Virtual reality (VR), simulators and 3D training can be extremely helpful tools. According to the Department of Education’s “Using Immersive Virtual Reality for Electrical Substation Training” guide, “Adopting a VR environment for education and training can be very attractive for several reasons. First, as it does not involve security risks that may exist in the real world, users can freely explore the environment without harming themselves, their colleagues or even damaging the environment. Second, users can try to perform tasks and solve the proposed problems how[ever] many times they require, without the pressure of a classroom full of colleagues or even a formal evaluation. Thus, this kind of environment encourages the user to conduct his/her learning at his/her own pace, with no risks.” 

The agency also indicates, “Electrical simulators are useful to help professionals to understand ordinary and emergence operations that he/she will face in a work daily basis. One example of electrical simulator is STOP … In STOP, users interact with single-line diagrams of electrical systems, simulating faults in the systems and setting relays, circuit breakers, transformers and other equipment.” 

There are also virtual substations for line and wire contractor training.

Additionally, artificial intelligence is reshaping the way content for education and training programs are compiled. With A.I., organizations can conduct hours of research and establish a framework for written educational programs in seconds. There are specific A.I. applications designed to help companies put together safety plans, protocols, procedures and job training. However, like most things on the internet, it is important to fact-check before solely relying on the information.

Finally, the internet of things (IoT) is another advancing technology. It is the interconnection between the internet and everyday devices, enabling them to send and receive data. In our industry, common uses are internet-connected sensors placed around the job site on machinery or technology or worn by workers. 

IoT can enhance job safety in several ways. These devices can collect large amounts of data ranging from equipment operational status, to workers’ physiological conditions, to environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, oxygen level, noise and vibration. 

This information can then be extracted and analyzed to help employers identify potential hazards/risks, implement preventive measures/safeguards, make necessary improvements to existing safety protocols and modify or augment education and training programs accordingly. 

New challenges

However, with the deployment of all these new technologies, tools and resources come challenges. Employers and workers will need to be trained and learn how to use them effectively. With an aging and less tech-savvy workforce, that will be an uphill climb at times, but it’s happening whether we like it or not.

Have a nice day / stock.adobe.com