As a safety leader, you understand the importance of providing your employees with the necessary training to maintain a safe and secure work environment. However, with numerous safety training providers available, it can be overwhelming to determine the best fit for your company.
With 25 years in the safety industry, we've learned from our clients what factors make a successful partnership with their new training provider—backed by relevant statistics and sources to help you make an informed decision.
Training Quality:
When it comes to training quality, you want to ensure that the provider meets the requirements of OSHA and other regulatory agencies. According to a study conducted by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), effective safety training reduces workplace injury and illness rates by 24%. This emphasizes the importance of choosing a provider that offers comprehensive and compliant training programs.
Reputation and authorization are vital aspects to consider. Look for a provider who is OSHA-authorized and has a good industry reputation. A reputable provider will have a track record of delivering high-quality training that meets the necessary standards. If you are looking to meet mandatory OSHA regulations, you should also verify that your training provider is OSHA-authorized.
Additionally, ensure that the training content is regularly updated to reflect the evolving work environment. In a survey conducted by the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP), 87% of safety professionals agreed that providing employees with up-to-date training materials and resources is crucial for maintaining a safe work environment, reducing injuries, and improving overall safety performance.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) should also be a consideration in your selection process. A study by McKinsey & Company found that companies with diverse workforces are 33% more likely to outperform their peers in profitability. Look for a training provider that aligns with your company's DEI standards to create an inclusive training environment.
Service and Support:
The support provided by the training provider is crucial to the success of your training program. Look for a provider that offers dedicated support resources such as safety professionals, customer service, and account management. According to a study conducted by Training Industry, having access to knowledgeable experts can increase training effectiveness by 92%.
Consider additional features beyond initial training. Microlearning, for example, has proven to be effective in knowledge retention. According to a study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, microlearning resulted in a 17% increase in knowledge retention compared to traditional training methods.
Integration with your existing Learning Management System (LMS) or providing an LMS solution is important for seamless training administration. According to a survey by Brandon Hall Group, 75% of organizations reported that integrating training with their LMS improved training efficiency and effectiveness.
Accessibility:
Accessibility is crucial, especially for organizations with geographically dispersed employees. Look for a training solution that can be accessed by employees regardless of their location. According to a study conducted by the Construction Industry Institute, 74% of construction workers found online training to be more accessible and convenient compared to traditional in-person training methods. This highlights the significant impact of online training in improving accessibility for construction workers on jobsites.
Consider the availability of courses in multiple languages to cater to a diverse workforce. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, over 350 languages are spoken in U.S. households. Providing training in employees' preferred languages increases engagement and understanding.
According to the World Health Organization, over 1 billion people globally live with some form of disability. Therefore, it is crucial to choose a provider that meets your company's accessibility requirements, including considerations for individuals with disabilities or those who require specific accommodation.
Cost and Logistics:
Cost considerations play a significant role in choosing a training provider. Look for group purchasing options, discounts, or flexible payment terms that can optimize your training budget. But be careful not to choose cost over quality—modern, engaging courses with interactivity are a better investment from a dollar and knowledge retention standpoint. According to a study by Training Industry, organizations that invested in safety training saw an average return on investment (ROI) of 4.7 times the training cost.
Consider the potential long-term cost benefits of investing in a training solution. According to a study by the National Safety Council, every dollar invested in safety training saves an average of $4 to $6 in injury costs. Additionally, evaluate if changing to or adding an online safety training solution can offer cost savings, including reduced travel expenses, time away from the job, and training costs for new hires.
Ensure that the training is convenient and flexible to minimize disruption to regular work operations. According to a survey by Training Industry, 77% of organizations reported that flexible training schedules improved employee productivity.
Conclusion:
Choosing the right safety training provider is crucial to creating a safe and secure workplace. By considering training quality, service and support, accessibility, and cost and logistics, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your company's needs. Remember, the right training provider can significantly reduce workplace injuries and illnesses, leading to improved productivity, profitability, and overall employee well-being.
Ready to find the right safety training provider? Download our safety training provider comparison checklist!
Safety Training Provider Comparison Checklist
Use this comparison chart to assess different training providers based on quality, support, accessibility, costs, and logistics.
Gain better insights and choose the right safety training provider for your company.
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