Embrace the Benefits of Online Safety Training

An essential part of running a successful business is making sure that both employees and products remain safe. Training employees about safety can be complicated and time consuming, but it doesn’t have to be. An easy, cost effective solution to this problem is using online training resources, which have many benefits including:

• Ease of Access - Online safety training enables employees to access pertinent information easily and from anywhere. This is especially advantageous if companies have more than one building, office space, or work site. And, since all the information is on the internet, it can be easily reviewed at any time to ensure the information stays fresh in the minds of your employees in their daily operations.
   
• Cost Effective - Training online is far more cost effective than other alternatives. Saved money can be put towards other expenditures or used to invest in hands-on training that is best taught through experience.
   
• Reduced Incidents - In a place where employees know how to do their jobs safely, fewer safety accidents will likely occur. Fewer accidents means a much lower chance of anyone being injured on the job, and the work space, environment, and product from being damaged.
   
• Up-to-Date Information – Safety regulations are updated frequently, meaning it’s easy to fall behind on what the requirements are. Companies need to keep their employees up to date on all the most recent information, not only for their own protection, but also to ensure the company isn’t assessed any regulatory penalties. Online trainings are regularly adapted to changing standards, ensuring that through refresher courses no one is left following outdated information.
   
• Monitoring Tools – Some online courses offer performance tracking tools, making it easy to monitor how each individual is doing in each aspect of the course in real time. Employers can then address any gaps in performance— either with specific employees or widespread trends— as soon as they arise.

NACD offers over 100 training courses through our NACD U online educational portal. There are many additional resources available as well. The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) offers a number of training resources that can be accessed online, including a comprehensive library of educational videos. The U.S. Chemical Safety Board also has a fantastic library of safety videos they’ve created based on investigations into chemical facility incidents. There are also resources online from non-profit groups like the National Safety Council. And of course, you can always complement your training efforts with online and in-person training sessions from many of NACD’s Preferred Compliance Providers or by attending NACD's ChemEdge this August in Nashville.

At the end of the day, we all want our employees to go home safely. Online safety training can help you achieve that goal with minimal cost and time, with the added benefits of ease of use and up-to-date regulatory information.