More "STAR" Responsibilities
In the first module, we covered the first responsibility: Supervision.
In this module, we'll discuss each of the remaining four important obligations, Training, Accountability, Resources, and Support.
T - Provide Training
The two primary methods of safety education, instruction, and training, are vitally important not only to the welfare of each employee but to the long-term success of the organization. Employers and supervisors should make sure a successful safety instruction and training are integrated into all corporate functions.
In his book, Why Employees Don't Do What They're Supposed to Do, Ferdinand F. Fournies states that the number one reason employees do not perform to expected standards is that they don't know why they should do them. The second most common reason is that employees do not know how to do the task correctly. Safety instruction and training address both of these reasons:
- instruction explains who, what, where, when, and most importantly, why we do safety, and
- training teaches "how" to do safety.
Supervisors Should be Trainers
So, why should supervisors be trainers? Here's why: any educator, instructor, or trainer will tell you that every time they present a session, they learn more and gain greater understanding of the subject. So, it makes sense for supervisors to be trainers, so they can gain greater insight and expertise on the practices and procedures they are supervising. Supervisors are better qualified to detect and correct hazards and unsafe behaviors as they supervise. Workers will more likely perceive their supervisors as competent and knowledgeable in safety.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
2-1. What are the two primary methods used in safety education?
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