Learn some of the best ways to keep trainees safe during training events, such as risk assessment, communication, support, adaptation, and best practices.

When I was a leader in the Navy it was imperative that all risk was assessed evaluated and mitigated during training. We always say we train like we fight and out in the field or on the Ship our training scenarios had a high chance of coming true. As far as assessing risk we used all tools available to us and we drilled the risk and their mitigations over and over until it became second nature.

What are the best ways to keep trainees safe during training events?

Training events are valuable opportunities for learning new skills, enhancing performance, and building relationships. However, they also come with some risks and challenges, especially when they involve physical activities, equipment, or locations. To ensure that your trainees have a safe and enjoyable experience, you need to plan, prepare, and monitor your training events carefully. In this article, we will share some of the best ways to keep trainees safe during training events.

1 Assess the risks

Before you design and deliver your training event, you need to identify and evaluate the potential hazards and risks that could affect your trainees' safety. For example, you might consider the nature of the activity, the environment, the equipment, the participants, and the facilitators. You can use a risk assessment tool or checklist to help you with this process. Based on your assessment, you should decide whether the training event is suitable, feasible, and necessary, and what measures you can take to reduce or eliminate the risks.

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Malcolm Smith, MBA, CBCP

BUSINESS RISK & RESILIENCY MANAGER | BUSINESS/TECHNOLOGY RISK MANAGER | PROJECT MANAGER | NAVY VETERAN
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When I was a leader in the Navy it was imperative that all risk was assessed evaluated and mitigated during training. We always say we train like we fight and out in the field or on the Ship our training scenarios had a high chance of coming true. As far as assessing risk we used all tools available to us and we drilled the risk and their mitigations over and over until it became second nature.

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Richard Caito, INCI

Master Police Instructor | IADLEST Nationally Certified Instructor.
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The first step in any police reality based training scenario is to assess the risks. You want your scenarios to be as real as possible to better prepare for the real thing, so there is always a risk. As a facilitator of the scenario it’s imperative to ensure proper safety procedures are followed such as a safety briefing and weapons check to make sure no real weapons are present by the students or the role players.

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2 Communicate the expectations

One of the most important ways to keep trainees safe during training events is to communicate clearly and consistently what you expect from them and what they can expect from you. This includes informing them about the objectives, agenda, format, duration, and location of the training event, as well as the rules, policies, procedures, and guidelines that they need to follow. You should also provide them with any relevant information or instructions about the equipment, materials, or resources that they will use or access during the training event. You can use various methods to communicate with your trainees, such as emails, flyers, posters, handouts, or briefings.

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Richard Caito, INCI

Master Police Instructor | IADLEST Nationally Certified Instructor.
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When preparing a police reality based training scenario the facilitator should have clearly defined objectives in place first and communicate those objectives to the proctors and role players. Any props or equipment should be introduced to them prior to beginning the scenario and safety rules should be in place such as a having a safe word to terminate the exercise in the event of an emergency.

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3 Provide the support

Another way to keep trainees safe during training events is to provide them with the appropriate support and assistance that they might need or request. This includes ensuring that they have access to adequate facilities, amenities, and services, such as restrooms, water, food, transportation, or medical care. You should also ensure that they have the opportunity to ask questions, give feedback, or raise concerns at any time during the training event. You should also monitor their progress, performance, and well-being, and intervene if you notice any signs of distress, discomfort, or difficulty.

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Jonathan Middleton

Gather data, validate and verify it, then put it to useful work.
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Keep everyone standing on the ground, away from moving or moveable machinery. I have seen too many curious workers injured by touching or manipulating machinery without instructions or oversight. Keep every tool away from men who pride themselves on knowing things or want to show off their skills. We get too many workers killed by pride and ignorance.

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4 Adapt to the situation

Training events are dynamic and unpredictable, and sometimes things might not go as planned or expected. To keep trainees safe during training events, you need to be flexible and adaptable, and ready to respond to any changes or challenges that might arise. For example, you might need to adjust the schedule, content, or delivery of your training event if you encounter technical issues, weather conditions, or emergencies. You might also need to modify or cancel your training event if you or your trainees experience any health problems, injuries, or accidents.

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5 Follow the best practices

Finally, to keep trainees safe during training events, you need to follow the best practices and standards that apply to your field, industry, or organization. This includes complying with the relevant laws, regulations, codes, or policies that govern your training activities, such as health and safety, privacy, or ethics. You should also adhere to the professional principles, values, or norms that guide your training practice, such as quality, integrity, or respect. You should also seek to improve your skills, knowledge, and competencies as a trainer, and learn from your experiences and feedback.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Matthew Brannan DMS, CQSW, PCET, NVQ 6 Advice and Guidance

self employed careers and employment coach with specialisms in social care functions (Self-employed) currently researching data on mature workforce employees
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When recruiting trainees thought should be given to the type of skills or dispostition you want them to reflect. Quality team building, one to one encouragement and building confidence will help the young person develop more positively

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Jonathan Middleton

Gather data, validate and verify it, then put it to useful work.
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Be prepared for disasters in training. Do not use real tools or fully powered tools until the workers are trained up to be near the tools.

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What are the best ways to keep trainees safe during training events?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Assess the risks

2 Communicate the expectations

3 Provide the support

4 Adapt to the situation

5 Follow the best practices

6 Here’s what else to consider

Training

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What are the best ways to keep trainees safe during training events?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Assess the risks

2 Communicate the expectations

3 Provide the support

4 Adapt to the situation

5 Follow the best practices

6 Here’s what else to consider

Training

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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