The Impact of Digital Technologies in Workforce Safety & Health Education
Historically, safety and health training has been primarily delivered via a classroom and live instructor. In support of this effort, digital media, though infant in its use at the time, consisted of videos, DVD and other similar formats.
There are a myriad of challenges within the learning environment and the challenges it places on EHS and training personnel. Technology has now given way to more sophisticated media such as computer based e and m-learning platforms, mobile apps and Learning Management Systems (LMS). These mediums and their delivery systems have evolved and given greater and more efficient ways for the employer to deliver EHS training.
The challenges to the employer are also reflected by the way individuals process information and learn. According to grovo.com; “Why micro-learning is the training for employees shrinking attention spans” states that technology is advancing and training is having difficulty keeping up. Over 1/3 of workers clock over 50-hours per week, leaving less time for traditional training. Employers need to understand the impact of technology and how digital learning will be the norm for the future.
How ready are employers and employees for this technology, and have they yet to integrate them into their overall training programs?
In order to discover the answers to this question, a recent survey was conducted with the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) to determine the thoughts of their members and what the future of digital technologies looks like for the safety & health industry. This whitepaper will provide survey results from the members of the ASSE to the topic of The Impact of Digital Technologies in Workforce Safety & Health Education.
As answers to one survey question reflected, does technology simply increase efficiency and not effectiveness? What is clear, and regardless of the delivery mediums, the stakes are going up considerably for EHS professionals to ensure not only that learning is the end result, but how that learning is measured continually.
About the author:
Paul J. Colangelo, STSC, CHST, CET, CRIS, currently serves as the National Director of Compliance Programs for ClickSafety. Mr. Colangelo is a 17 year accredited OSHA Outreach 10/30 hour construction program trainer. He has 25 years of experience as an EHS Director, Manager and Consultant to the Construction, Telecommunications, Utility and Renewable Energy sectors.
Mr. Colangelo has written many safety-based articles for national publications, and also attends and speaks at regional and national events for such organizations and associations such as the American Association of Safety Engineers (ASSE), Associated General Contractors of America (AGCA) and National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA).