DENVER — The less expensive online training modules that have gained popularity in recent years for lower costs and convenience are not effective in high-risk construction, where workers prefer hands-on learning to falling asleep in front of a laptop.
Cue a cartoon of a worker asleep at a desk, according to Graham Clark, Mint Hill, North Carolina-based health & safety manager with FHG Inc., a general contractor in the energy industry working in 40 states.
Mr. Clark led a session Wednesday at Safety ’24, the American Society of Safety Professional’s annual conference, on how to engage construction workers in training that is often mundane, usually required, per the Occupational Safety and Health Administration that mandates that workers be trained in such protocols as fall protection, trenching hazards and protective equipment, and can mean the difference between life and death.
“Online it is easy to check out,” he said. “It’s not human. It’s stilted. It is not interactive.”
Mr. Clark said training in an engaging small-group setting, soliciting feedback from the audience is ideal. The more hands-on the better. Invite workers to tell their stories, he said.
“You all know construction guys; they want to work, and it is working with their hands. They value action,” he said. “What’s the downside of in-person training? … It’s expensive and it’s really time-consuming (because) you’re pulling guys off the job.”
Some of Mr. Clark’s best, simple practices included serving food and creating seating arrangements that welcome engagement.
“I think that construction guys and gals probably in school were not the people up front, raising their hand,” he said. “And they are super smart… it’s our job as trainers to come draw it out of them. We want our guys to learn and we want to learn from them. Learning needs to go both ways.”
