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CHEMICAL SAFETY Helping New Hires Navigate Chemical Safety Orienting new employees on chemical safety requires leveraging the right methods and tools to ensure a slate of learning objectives takes hold. BY DAVID KOPF Introducing new team members to chemical safety is chal- lenging but crucial. The alarming 24.5 percent spike in hazard communication violations OSHA recently recorded is a glar- ing reminder of the stakes. Trainers must balance their orientation’s thoroughness and ef- ficacy, and that requires a structured approach, innovative meth- odologies, and timely execution. Done right, trainers can ensure that new employees are not just introduced to chemical safety protocols, but truly understand their depth and significance. That way, safety isn’t merely a set of procedures, but a practiced ethos. Orientation Objectives: Crafting a Comprehensive Approach A comprehensive orientation sets the groundwork for effective safety practices. Key learning objectives in chemical safety for newcomers include. ■ Understanding Hazards. New hires must comprehend the breadth of chemical hazards. This entails recognizing, classifying, understanding properties, and knowing associated risks. ■ Chemical Storage. Correct storage is essential. Employees should recognize storage criteria, including temperature requirements, containment methods, and the importance of segregating specific chemicals to avoid reactions. ■ Handling & Disposal. Employees need to understand chemical properties and the protocols for safe handling. Knowledge of responsible disposal, environmental considerations, and hazard identification is crucial. ■ HazCom & SDS. Adherence to HazCom standards is vital. Staff should read and interpret chemical labels and Safety Data Sheets efficiently. They must extract key safety details from these sources and apply this knowledge to their tasks. ■ PPE. Staff must know about various Personal Protective Equipment like gloves, goggles, and respirators. Training on correct usage, maintenance, and periodic inspection is imperative. ■ Health Impacts. Employees should be aware of both immediate and prolonged health effects of exposure, enabling them to detect early exposure signs. ■ Emergency Protocols. Even with precautions, emergencies happen. Staff should be prepared with strong response plans, from addressing minor spills to conducting extensive evacuations. ■ Monitoring&Reporting.Familiarizingemployeeswithtools for real-time chemical or air quality monitoring is vital. They should also know how to report hazards, near-misses, or pertinent events. ■ Inventory Management. An organized inventory, particularly for high-risk chemicals, ensures timely risk identification and management. Newcomers should be trained to access and update these records. Methods for Effective Orientation Of course, safety orientation isn’t just about presenting infor- mation — it’s about ensuring the lessons are absorbed and rein- forced. Here are some approaches to achieve that: ■ Blended Learning Approach. Marrying classroom- style teaching with e-learning modules can cater to various learning preferences, enhancing overall comprehension and engagement. ■ Mentorship. Experience is a powerful teacher. Pairing newcomers with seasoned professionals can provide on-the-job insights that standard training materials might overlook. ■ Role-Playing & Simulations. Real-life scenarios or simulations, whether in a physical setting or a digital platform, can drastically improve hands-on knowledge. Role-playing allows employees to navigate potentially hazardous situations safely, reinforcing best practices. ■ Hands-On Training. Theory and practice must go hand in hand. It’s pivotal that after learning the theoretical components, employees get the opportunity to apply their knowledge in controlled, real-world settings. ■ Feedback & Group Discussions. Creating open channels for feedback and group insights can correct misconceptions, address questions, and refine training modules in real-time. ■ Ongoing Webinars & Workshops. Safety standards and best practices are dynamic. Regularly updating employees through webinars and workshops ensures they stay abreast of the latest in the chemical industry. ■ AR & VR. Technologies such as augmented reality and virtual reality offer immersive experiences, enabling employees to practice safety protocols and emergency response scenarios, for example, in realistic but risk-free virtual environments. ■ Mobile Apps and Interactive Platforms. Digitized training materials, safety guidelines, and resources accessible via smartphones or tablets allow employees to review information at their convenience. Additionally, consider platforms that offer interaction, such as gamified learning modules or quizzes. These can maintain interest and reinforce learning. ■ Microlearning. Transforming comprehensive topics into bite-sized modules can significantly enhance retention. Microlearning delivers targeted information bursts, making it easier for employees to absorb, understand, and apply. ■ Assessment and Follow-ups. Regular quizzes, simulations, or practical assessments can help gauge the employees’ understanding. Also, safety doesn’t stop after the initial orientation. Periodic check-ins, refresher courses, and updates ensure ongoing safety awareness and compliance. By integrating these methods, safety managers can foster a mindset where employees aren’t just aware of the rules — they live by them. David Kopf is the Executive Editor of Occupational Health & Safety magazine. He can be reached at dkopf@1105media.com. 32 Occupational Health & Safety | SEPTEMBER 2023 www.ohsonline.com