F E AT U R E The Importance of Early Safety Training by David Ward, safety consultant
Our current generation is all about technology and moving quickly. The next generation will be forced to work in a construction industry that has more dangerous work conditions, due to potential the lack of skilled labor, with those skilled laborers working longer hours, where fatigue may set in. Currently, construction companies and manufacturing companies are finding it difficult to hire and/or attract new millennial employees. Millennials can be seen as very independent and difficult to manage, as they believe they can move from job to job if it’s not what they want. Millennials bring technology savvy
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with them, but I have heard complaints from some managers about their work ethic. I have several manufacturing clients that cannot keep millennials employed, as some move from job to job for just a few pennies more. Even in “normal” times training is very difficult to complete on a construction site. Now with COVID-19, that training has become even more difficult, as most companies will not allow you on their worksite unless you are an essential worker. In construction, training is hampered by language barriers. Being safe today has several steps before you’re allowed on anyone's property.
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Taking your temperature is first, filling out the COVID-19 questionnaire is second, and then having the appropriate PPE (mask, gloves, face shields), just to name a few. Keeping the hand sanitizer available and properly stored and located through the work area is important. I can’t say if there is a PPE “best practice,” since this is a new concept and everyone is trying to do all they can to protect their employees. Employees must be held accountable for properly wearing the required equipment. But it’s tough when employees don’t feel it’s important. I recently had a safety manager say, “What can I do, as they just won’t wear
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