What are the best practices for OHS training and education for your employees in Australia?

In this article, I will share some of the best practices for OHS training and education that I have learned from my experience and research. I hope you find them useful and applicable to your workplace. 😊

1.    Identify the OHS training needs of your employees.

Before you design or deliver any OHS training program, you need to assess the OHS training needs of your employees. This means identifying the hazards and risks they face in their work, the OHS responsibilities they have, and the gaps in their OHS skills and knowledge.

You can use various methods to conduct a training needs analysis, such as surveys, interviews, observations, audits, incident reports, etc. You can also use tools such as the Training Needs Chart or the Health and Safety Responsibilities Checklist to help you with this process.

The outcome of your training needs analysis should be a clear list of OHS learning objectives for each employee or group of employees. These objectives should be SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound.

2.    Choose the appropriate type and level of OHS training for your employees.

Once you have identified the OHS learning objectives for your employees, you need to select the type and level of OHS training that best suits their needs. There are different types of formal OHS training available in Australia, such as:

·         Certificate/licence courses: These are courses that provide a nationally recognised qualification or licence for specific OHS roles or tasks, such as first aid, asbestos removal, working at heights, etc. These courses are usually delivered by registered training organisations (RTOs) and require assessment of competence.

·         Approved/accredited courses: These are courses that are approved or accredited by a relevant authority or body, such as Safe Work Australia, WorkSafe Victoria, or the Australian Institute of Health & Safety (AIHS). These courses cover general or specialised OHS topics and may lead to certification or recognition by the authority or body.

·         Short courses: These are courses that cover specific OHS topics or skills in a short duration, such as one day or a few hours. These courses may be delivered by RTOs, industry associations, consultants, or in-house trainers. They may or may not include assessment or certification.

·         Diploma/degree courses: These are courses that provide a higher level of education and qualification in OHS, such as a diploma, bachelor's degree, master's degree, or PhD. These courses are usually delivered by universities or TAFE colleges and require academic assessment and research.

The type and level of OHS training you choose for your employees should depend on their current and desired level of OHS competence. The AIHS has developed a Global Capability Framework for health and safety professionals that defines three levels of certification based on education, experience and demonstrated knowledge and skills. These levels are:

·         Certified OHS Practitioner: This is the entry-level for OHS professionals who maintain OHS administrative processes, conduct basic training, and oversee monitoring and compliance related to technical and behavioural risk controls. They work under supervision or mentoring, focusing on known contexts within established parameters.

·         Certified OHS Professional: This is the intermediate level for OHS professionals who design OHS strategies in the context of business processes and external influences. They provide advice based on conceptual and technical knowledge, experience, analysis, and critical thinking. They work solo or give direction to others.

·         Chartered OHS Professional: This is the advanced level for OHS professionals who possess high-level specialist or strategic skills and are influential with senior management or policymakers. They consider the broader organisational and social context of their advice.

You can use this framework as a guide to determine the appropriate type and level of OHS training for your employees based on their current and desired level of certification.

3.    Select a good OHS trainer or provider.

After you have chosen the type and level of OHS training for your employees, you need to find a good OHS trainer or provider who can deliver it effectively. There are many factors to consider when selecting an OHS trainer or provider, such as:

·         Their qualifications, experience, and reputation in the field of OHS.

·         Their understanding of your industry sector, workplace context, and specific hazards and risks.

·         Their ability to tailor their content and delivery methods to suit your learning objectives, audience characteristics, and preferred learning styles.

·         Their use of a variety of methods for getting the message across, such as lectures, demonstrations, discussions, case studies, simulations, exercises, etc.

·         Their inclusion of ways of making sure learning has taken place, such as quizzes, tests, assignments, feedback, etc.

·         Their provision of records of what each person achieves in training, such as certificates, transcripts, portfolios, etc.

·         Their compliance with the OHS legislation and standards that apply to your workplace and industry sector.

You can use various sources to find a good OHS trainer or provider, such as:

·         Recommendations from your colleagues, peers, or industry associations.

·         Reviews from previous or current clients or participants.

·         Websites or directories of RTOs, universities, colleges, consultants, or industry associations that offer OHS training.

·         Online platforms or marketplaces that connect OHS trainers or providers with potential clients or participants.

4.    Organise the OHS training in a way that suits your workplace and employees.

Finally, you need to organise the OHS training in a way that suits your workplace and employees. This means considering the following aspects:

The timing and duration of the OHS training: You should schedule the OHS training at a time and date that minimises disruption to your normal work operations and maximises the participation and engagement of your employees. You should also ensure that the OHS training is not too long or too short for the content and objectives you want to cover.

The location and setting of the OHS training: You should choose a location and setting that is convenient, comfortable, and conducive for learning. This could be on-site at your workplace, off-site at an external venue, or online via a virtual platform. You should also ensure that the location and setting have the necessary facilities and equipment for the OHS training, such as power supply, internet access, audio-visual aids, etc.

The budget and resources for the OHS training: You should allocate sufficient budget and resources for the OHS training, considering the costs of the trainer or provider, the venue, the materials, the travel, etc. You should also look for ways to reduce or subsidise these costs, such as applying for grants, subsidies, or incentives from government agencies or industry bodies that support OHS training and education.

By following these best practices for OHS training and education for your employees in Australia, you can ensure that your OHS training programs are effective, relevant, and compliant with Australian standards and legislation. You can also improve the OHS competence and performance of your employees and create a safer and healthier workplace for everyone. 🙌

I hope you enjoyed reading this article and found it helpful. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact me via LinkedIn or email. I would love to hear from you. 😊

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