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TRAINING: SOFTWARE Does Your Training Content and Software Align with OSHA Regulations? Effective workplace training should include the right training software and content to ensure compliance and enhance workplace safety. BY JILL JAMES Just like with any governing body, understanding and ad- dressing OSHA requirements1 can feel daunting. After all, they have published nearly 1,000 standards across four main categories: Construction, Maritime, Agriculture and Gen- eral Industry. In many cases, an OSHA regulation is straightforward regard- ing what is required, but when it comes to employer-provided safety training, things can get a little unclear. There are currently more than 100 OSHA standards2 where training is required — and things are not consistent from one to another. Keep reading to learn about some of the different nuances of OSHA requirements and how to identify the right training soft- ware and training content that will help you meet — and even exceed — your training needs. Understanding the Nuances of OSHA Requirements As noted above, with so many different regulations on the books, it can seem overwhelming. But there are some nuances you should understand when looking into the various safety regula- tions and OSHA training requirements: ■ Industry specificity: OSHA regulations are not a one-size solution. They are categorized into different industries, with spe- cific standards for construction, general industry, maritime, and more. Identifying the regulations specific to your industry is the best place to start. ■ Hazard recognition: Safety hazards are an inherent part of every job, from ergonomic hazards to falling hazards to chemi- cal hazards and more. Of course, some jobs present more serious risks than others. Hazard recognition helps you identify the spe- cific hazards in your workplace. ■ Frequency: Requirements regarding the frequency of training vary based on the standard and type of hazard. The terms you will see when reviewing OSHA standards include: - At hire - Before exposure to a hazard - At a certain frequency (often annually) - “If-then” frequencies (a typical example of this is when there is an incident or situation where the worker displays lack of knowledge, then training or retraining is required) ■ Updates and changes: OSHA regulations are constantly evolving to keep up with changing work hazards and environ- ments. Keeping your training updated to meet the current stan- dards is essential to avoid non-compliance. ■ Training records: To determine what training records to maintain, you will need to look up the specific OSHA standard3. If a standard has record documentation requirements, they will be listed in the regulations. If you are ever unsure about where to start with meeting OSHA training requirements — or are considering a review and refresh of your existing training — it is smart to complete a train- ing needs assessment. This useful tool can help you bridge the gap between your current training and OSHA requirements or recommendations. Generally, this process will identify business needs and pro- vide you with a training plan of required and suggested training topics or categories, connecting the dots between your workforce training program and what the law requires. What Makes Good Online Training Software? Once you have decided that training software is the right direc- tion to meet your training needs, you will need to find the best one for you and your organization. With hundreds of online training platforms available, it can feel overwhelming to assess and make this decision. Here are a few different features and con- tent considerations to keep in mind as you begin this important evaluation process. ■ Content availability: Look for software with a comprehen- sive library of OSHA-compliant courses that aligns with your spe- cific industry standards and addresses the relevant hazards your employees face. ■ Accessibility and scalability: Employees should be able to complete their training on various devices and from any working location, whether that is in the office or on a remote jobsite. Scal- ability will allow the software to accommodate a growing work- force or changing training needs. ■ Employee engagement: Effective training goes beyond simply providing information. It should actively engage employ- ees, encouraging knowledge retention and application of safety practices. Look for software that utilizes interactive elements, simulations, and gamification to keep employees engaged. ■ Compliance updates: One of the most important aspects of any training course is that the information is current to ap- plicable regulations, laws, and best practices. The best training partners will make sure their content is up to date to meet ever- changing regulatory requirements and use subject matter experts with real-word experience to accomplish this. ■ Allows for easy retraining: Repeated learning opportuni- ties increase the likelihood of retaining the information4, which makes for a more effective employee. When it comes to safety training, repetition may be even more important than for other categories of training because an employee’s life could be at risk. ■ Course tools: No library of courses can meet every train- ing need for your organization. It is essential for any training plat- form to include course development tools that allow you to easily 30 Occupational Health & Safety | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2024 www.ohsonline.com