The training process

Training should be used in conjunction with other control measures. Training is an example of an administrative control and should not be relied on as the main control measure.

What training is needed?
Who should be trained?
How training will be given?
Has the training been effective?
Keep records

What training is needed?

If training has been identified as one of the control measures to minimise exposure to a risk, the employer must make sure such training is provided.

Establishing what training is required is the basis of all training. The training required will depend on the:

nature of workplace hazards
associated risks
complexity of the work
controls already implemented
competence of the person.

Workplace health and safety training may be needed for:

induction to a workplace or a task
supervisors and management
specific jobs
specific hazards
emergency procedures
first aid.

Training content

All people exposed to risks should be provided with information about:

workplace health and safety legislation
the organisation’s health and safety program or policy
risk management including control measures already in place, correct use of control measures and any residual risk
how to access information about hazards (e.g manufacturer’s instructions)
safe working procedures and safe use of hazardous substances
equipment inspection and maintenance, where necessary
personal protective equipment (PPE) including its use, availability and maintenance
emergency procedures

Depending on who is being trained, training needs will differ and certain workplace groups may require different training as follows:

Managers and supervisors would require information on their responsibilities under workplace health and safety legislation, worker consultation requirements, incident reporting, record keeping and supervisory responsibilities
Health and safety representatives and committee members may require information on their responsibilities and facilitating consultation
Workers would require information on their responsibilities, involvement in the risk management process, information about hazards, risks and control measures, proper fitting and use of PPE, reporting procedures for incidents and near misses
Others such as regular visitors, delivery drivers and clients may require information on procedures they are expected to comply with, relevant safety procedures (e.g wearing safety helmets) and restricted areas of the workplace.

Who should be trained?

All positions within an organisation generally require some sort of training in how to work safely, including:

workers, including casual staff
supervisors and managers
workplace health and safety committee members
workplace health and safety officers and workplace health and safety representatives
people responsible for purchasing items related to the hazard such as personal protective equipment
contractors and regular visitors to the workplace
anyone who is potentially at risk and capable of being trained

How will training be given?

There are many ways of providing training and it should be targeted at the audience considering the:

depth of information which needs to be conveyed
skills and experience of the audience
skills and experience of the trainer
time allocated
resources available.

Training can be presented in a number of ways including:

computer-based training
formal class-room style
on-the-job instruction
audio-visual presentations
interactive sessions and demonstrations.

Has the training been effective?

Evaluating the effectiveness of the training is a key part of the process. Some ways of doing this include testing knowledge, observing skills and behaviour, obtaining feedback and checking incident records.

To ensure topics and competencies are still applicable to the work, review any training programs at least once a year, or when there is a change to how work is done or when new hazards exist.

Keep records

Training records provide valuable evidence that legal requirements are being met and should provide an accurate statement of the training that each person has received.

The training records should include:

the names of the people receiving training
the dates of attendance at training sessions
whether the person successfully completed the training
an outline of the course content
the name of the trainer and their accreditation certificate number, where
applicable.

The Risk Management Code of Practice 2007 provides more information on record keeping.