Workplace Safety Training: Why Regular Risk Reviews Matter

Workplace safety training is not a one-time requirement. As workplaces evolve, equipment changes, and employees gain experience, it is important for businesses to revisit safety procedures and ensure employees remain informed and prepared. Scheduling a risk review can help businesses identify gaps in their safety programs and ensure policies, training, and procedures remain aligned with current operations.

OSHA and Workplace Safety Training

OSHA establishes regulations designed to protect workers and reduce workplace injuries. Many OSHA standards require employers to provide safety training when employees are first hired and whenever new hazards are introduced into the workplace.

Common workplace safety training topics include:

• Hazard communication and chemical safety
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) use and maintenance
• Lockout/tagout procedures for equipment servicing
• Machine guarding and equipment safety
• Fall protection
• Fire safety
• Emergency evacuation procedures
• Workplace ergonomics and injury prevention
• Reporting hazards, injuries, and near misses

Benefits of Regular Safety Training Refreshers

Regular safety training refreshers help businesses strengthen their safety programs and reinforce important workplace procedures.

Key benefits include:

1. Reducing workplace injuries and incidents
2. Improving hazard awareness so employees can better recognize and prevent risks
3. Supporting OSHA compliance by ensuring required training is documented and updated
4. Increasing employee confidence in handling equipment, procedures, and emergencies

Situations That May Require Additional Safety Training

While OSHA does not require annual training for every safety topic, employers are responsible for ensuring employees understand workplace hazards and safety procedures.

Businesses should consider providing additional safety training in situations such as:

1. New equipment is introduced
2. Workplace processes change
3. New hazardous materials are added to the workplace
4. Employees move into new roles/responsibilities that involve different tasks or hazards
5. A workplace incident occurs, indicating a need to review safety procedures
6. OSHA regulations or safety standards are updated
7. Employees demonstrate uncertainty about safety procedures

Quick Safety Training Review Checklist

Use the following questions to help determine whether your safety training program may need a refresh:

• Do new employees receive safety training during onboarding?
• Do employees understand the hazards specific to their roles?
• Are safety procedures documented and easily accessible?
• Are training records maintained and organized?
• Do employees know how to report hazards or safety concerns?
• Are emergency procedures and evacuation routes clearly communicated?
• Has personal protective equipment (PPE) training been provided and reinforced?
• Are safety policies reviewed when new equipment or processes are introduced?
• Are safety meetings or safety briefings held periodically?

Schedule Your Spring Risk Review

Spring is a great time for businesses to take a proactive approach to the risk they face everyday.

A risk review may include:

• Workplace safety and training assessments
• Operational risk evaluations
• Claims and loss history review
• Driver and fleet safety programs
• Business continuity and emergency planning
• Regulatory and compliance considerations

To learn more or schedule a spring risk review, connect with the Risk Management team at Ansay & Associates.

Speak with an advisor today!