Are You Properly Trained?

Check out the real experiences between proper and improper training.

Training employees before putting them in the field is important for several reasons. Firstly, it helps ensure that they have the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their job duties effectively and efficiently. This reduces the likelihood of errors, accidents, and delays, which can be costly and damaging to a company’s reputation. Secondly, it helps employees feel confident and comfortable in their roles, which can improve their job satisfaction and retention. Additionally, training can promote a culture of safety and compliance, which is essential in almost all industries Ultimately, investing in employee training can lead to improved performance, productivity, and overall success for both the individual and the company.

Forklift Safety Course -Parker Mills

“For my forklift safety course presented to me by the warehouse I worked for, I was debriefed by my manager what exactly to expect during this training. The debriefing took no more than ten minutes and then I was to sit at a computer and get to work. To begin this training I was to make an account within the OSHA webpage and select the course I was being trained in. For the next three hours I sat at a computer and watched videos and read blurbs about safety and precautions when operating a forklift. Leading up to the end of the training I took a 50 question quiz on what was covered in the course. To pass this course and move on to the next step I was required to get a 70% or better. During this quiz I noticed that the questions were rather simple and didn’t necessarily test my skills for operating a forklift correctly. Passing the test with a 98% meant that I was ready to move to the next step which was operating a forklift under the supervision of my higherup at the time. Within this warehouse were two different types of forklifts: one electric, and one propane. Both of these forklifts were rather similar in the fact that they had the same controls. The only difference really was the axis of the rear wheels. I was ordered to pick up the empty pallets within the warehouse and take them around the back of the warehouse a few times repeatedly using both forklifts. After this task, I received from my manager a card saying I was OSHA certified in my forklift training. Although I didn’t have any clear reasons of why I wasn’t deserving of this certification, it was rather easy to be approved of operating a piece of machinery with such responsibility of not damaging products that were sold. Further down the road I experienced situations where I needed to offload trucks of incoming materials or load personal vehicles with materials safely, I had to explore each of these situations by myself with no supervision. All in all, I didn’t think my managers did a good job of testing my skills let alone supervising me during my tough, inexperienced situations.”

Firearm Safety Course -Parker Mills

“During this intensive four hour course I felt like I had the correct instruction and proper training for a few reasons. My class was administered and guided through several videos and scenarios in which took place on a virtual reality screen using our brain and our physical beings. We were given decoy firearms with a laser sensor built in that would signal the screen once the trigger was activated. The objective of this kind of training was to use the decoy firearm to test our speed and eye coordination while pretending to fire at targets on the virtual reality screen. The instructor worked us through these trainings as well as played several situational videos while testing our knowledge. We learned proper techniques and strategies as to properly drawing and gripping the firearm. At the end of the training we took a test to determine if we were fit for not only carrying a firearm, but being trusted as an individual under the rule of law with a firearm in our possession. I believe with such training, I am more prepared than most if a situational event were to occur.

In these interviews, there are obvious differences shown between the two trainings. Within the brief example about the Firearms Safety Course, the instructor or manager in this case gave the trainees a proper education for handling a firearm as well as putting their skills to the test physically. Their hand-eye coordination and reaction time was properly tested and critiqued as each trainee moved further through the trainings. As for the brief example on Forklift Safety Course, the managers did a poor job of challenging the trainee in specific situations and preparing him for the real world. It is important as managers to except the fact that a trainee is going to fail during the process and really hone in on their skills and knowledge.