Health and Safety A-Z
Topic: Training
Summary:
Training is a type of hazard control (an administrative control). Training needs are normally identified through the process of hazard identification, assessment and control.
To be effective, training should go beyond the description of safe work procedures; Training should include information that will help with the recognition of hazards and provide a depth of understanding sufficient to appreciate the value of the safe work procedures, practices and other controls.
In many cases H&S training is required by legislation. Some examples:
- Asbestos awareness training for anyone who does work that could disturb asbestos
- Confined space awareness training for anyone who might work in a confined space
- Certification of Joint H&S Committee members
- Fall prevention training for those who work at heights
- Worker H&S Awareness training for all workers
- Supervisor H&S Awareness training for all supervisors
- Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) training for anyone involved with the transportation of dangerous goods (including preparation for shipment and receiving)
- Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) training by anyone who works with or near hazardous materials
- Workplace Violence and Harassment training for all workers
Training can be required for due diligence purposes even where it is not explicitly required by regulation. (Where a hazard is not addressed by regulation the Ministry of Labour cites s. 25 (2)(h) :
“every precaution reasonable in the circumstances for the protection of a worker”.) Ergonomics training, for example, is required for work that is likely to result in a musculoskeletal disorder (MSD). A good example is keyboarding, where long hours and poor ergonomics can quickly result in a repetitive strain disorder such as carpal tunnel syndrome.
For Information See:
Trent University H&S Awareness Training Website
CCOHS, Health and Safety Programs
Additional Resources:
Last Revised: November 20, 2015