Prioritizing employee health and safety is absolutely essential, not only for heavy industries, but also office based and public organisations, to prevent incidents and keep workers safe. Global work-related deaths have jumped more than 10% since 2000 according to the International Labour Organisation. That may not sound like a big jump but ask the families of the 2.6 million loved ones that lost their lives at work. Access to the latest health and safety protocols is crucial for personnel to keep up with the ever-evolving regulations and best practices. This is where eLearning proves to be a game-changer, offering a multitude of benefits that can significantly elevate health and safety practices in the workplace.
Accessibility Anytime, Anywhere
One of the most significant advantages of eLearning is its accessibility; it’s unavoidable that energy industry personnel often work in remote locations or offshore platforms where access to traditional training facilities may be limited. eLearning allows employees to access training materials from anywhere with an internet connection, enabling them to undergo training at their convenience without disrupting their job responsibilities. Leading solution providers even offer eLearning access offline.
Interactive and Engaging Content
eLearning offers interactive and engaging content that can captivate and hold learners’ attention. Through videos, simulations, animations, immersive environments and interactions, employees can actively participate in their learning, in a safe environment, leading to better retention of information compared to traditional classroom based ILT training. Learner engagement increases the transfer of knowledge on the job, increasing the likelihood workers are safer by applying the correct steps to avoid harm and keep safe.
Cost-Effective Training Solutions
Traditional training methods can be costly, especially when considering travel expenses, accommodation, worker wages, lost productivity, and instructor fees. eLearning eliminates many of these costs by providing training experiences through a digital device. Many workers access learning using their own mobile devices, or a company assigned device (phone, tablet, or laptop), reducing the need for physical training facilities, and minimizing the impact on operational budgets.
eLearning can also be used as pre-assessments, so learners arrive at the facility with some prior knowledge to understand location specific safety protocols and/or company expectations.
Up-to-Date Information
Health and safety regulations are constantly evolving. eLearning allows for quick and efficient updates to training materials, ensuring that employees have access to the most current information and best practices. This agility in dynamically updating content is crucial in an industry where compliance with regulations is non-negotiable. A study conducted by OSHA found that safety training reduced injuries by up to 60%.
Flexibility and Customization
eLearning can be tailored to meet the specific needs of different roles within our industry. Whether it’s addressing the unique safety challenges of working on a drilling rig or the protocols for handling hazardous materials, eLearning can be customized to deliver targeted training that is relevant to each employee’s responsibilities.
Final thought, eLearning offers a host of benefits for all industries and organisations when it comes to health and safety training. By providing accessible, engaging, and cost-effective training solutions, eLearning can play a vital role in cultivating a culture of safety and ensuring that employees are equipped with the knowledge and skills to mitigate risks in the workplace. As the industry continues to evolve, embracing eLearning as a tool for health and safety training will be instrumental in promoting a safe and secure work environment.
