In today’s expanding workplace safety landscape, companies are needing to quickly adjust their training programs to stay up to date while keeping their employees engaged and interested in learning how to prevent injuries in the workplace.

Workplace illnesses and injuries can have a huge impact on a company’s workforce and their profitability. With increasing worker’s compensation costs and monetary penalties for safety violations, businesses simply cannot afford to ignore proper safety training.

Online safety training is a rapidly growing option for many companies large and small. This type of training can save a lot of money when compared to instructor led (‘in-person’) training as well as being available 24/7 it can save significant production time with reduced lost work hours spent in a training classroom. Online learning allows students to learn at their own pace as everyone learns and retains information differently and they can also schedule the training session as their time allows.

Many employees who receive safety training engage in shift work. Traditional ‘in-person’ safety training methods hinder productivity because they are conducted during an employee’s work shift. Online safety training courses offer a greater degree of flexibility because they do not have to be administered during an employee’s shift.

Federal, State and Provincial governments are recommending that safety education and training be a top priority for every employer, no matter their size. Training should be provided to business owners, supervisors, managers, and all workers who are employed by a company. While there is a need for safety training in every industry, there are some industries that require comprehensive safety training that will have a mandatory practical component requirement. These include; Construction companies and employers of people who operate lifts and powerful equipment. Healthcare organizations and any entity that employs workers who handle hazardous materials. Manufacturing companies and businesses that feature heavy machinery and welding equipment. Businesses within the HAZMAT industry that involve exposure to dangerous chemicals and materials. Transportation companies and businesses that involve the operation of specialized vehicles

To be most effective, online safety training should be engaging and interesting for employees. Safety courses must also cover key elements recommended by the Federal, State of Provincial Governments such as the skills and knowledge required to safely preform work and avoid at risk or hazardous situations and the proper way to report and control common workplace hazards.

If you are considering online safety training, you should review several training providers to ensure you are getting online programs that are compliant to proper regulations and that you have a large selection of course choices to ensure you are getting the best programs for your employees.