Safety Corner

Patrick W. Saltmarsh Corporate Safety Director J. Derenzo Companies

The Reality of “Distant Learning”

“Technology is a Useful Servant but a Dangerous Master.” ~ Christian Lous Lange

As construction companies across the region continue to adjust, modify, and re-think their way of doing business, employee safety training is emerging as one of the hardest-hit activities to comply with. Businesses cannot afford to simply put safety training on hold. Whether the goal is to reskill a particular means/method out in the field, or embark on a company-wide transformation goal, companies must resist pushing the pause button on critical workplace learning.

Even as the uncertainty amid this disruption continues, companies would do well to further invest in e-learning programs and the development of online training. Whether you are looking to initiate and launch training initiatives specifically in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, or hoping to adapt and modify the onboarding process of new and returning employees, we must look towards virtual training as a useful and effective tool.

While distant and virtual learning programs may be convenient, they most certainly have their challenges. Switching from traditional classroom and face to face instructor training to computerbased training with a virtual classroom makes the learning experience entirely different for each employee. Some employees do not embrace change and will not adapt to online learning and a computer-based safety education program.

Employees with a “traditional” mindset where

Working through the challenges of computer-based safety training programs.

they are set in their ways, will find it difficult to adapt. Although most employees today are generally tech savvy, and thus able to manage computers well, I have found that a high percentage of employees in the construction industry struggle with navigating basic computer programs and therefore become uncomfortable, uneasy, and frustrated during virtual training.

In 2020, access to technology should be less continued on page 19

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