The 7-Step OJT Process
Step 5: Trainer Concludes the Training
Once the formal training is finished, the trainer should:
- Recognize the student's accomplishment - "Good job!"
- Reemphasize the importance of the procedure and how it fits into the overall process.
- Remind the employee about their responsibilities and accountability by discussing the natural consequences (hurt/health) and system consequences (reprimand/reward).
Step 6: Trainer/Supervisor Validates the Training
After the conclusion of the OJT session, the trainer, or better yet, the supervisor should observe the employee applying what they've learned in the actual work environment. Doing so results in strong documentation that helps to legally protect both the employee being trained and the employer.
By the way, when OSHA inspects, the compliance officer may ask employees about the job they are doing. The employees won't be able to hide their ignorance and it won't take long for the compliance officer to determine if the employee is qualified to do the job.
Step 7: Trainer/Supervisor Documents the Training
The well-known OSHA adage, "if it isn't in writing, it didn't get done," is true for any kind of safety training. For OJT training, documentation should be more than an attendance sheet.
To document the training, the trainee certifies:
- training was accomplished
- questions were answered
- opportunities provided to do procedure
- accountabilities understood
- intent to comply
The instructor certifies the trainee has:
- demonstrated adequate knowledge
- developed the skills to complete the procedures
See the sample training certification documents from course 721 Developing OSH Training. It represents one possible way to document training.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
6-8. In Step 6 of the 7-Step OJT process, how can the trainer best verify that a student has adequate knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) to do a task safely?
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