Which areas of risk management should be included in training for supervisors?
- Company policies
, postings, reporting responsibilities and contact information, including proper methods for documentation.
- “Do’s and Don’ts” of pre-employment interviewing.
- Employee safety
relating to physical hazards in the immediate work environment. Where are emergency exits and first-aid provisions located? What is the Company’s Injury Prevention Plan?
- Workplace Violence
. Being aware of threats, agitated and hostile employees or visitors. Knowing the firm’s plan for on-site high-risk occurrences.
- Sexual harassment
. A review of different types of harassment, particularly more subtle forms and “hostile workplace” issues. Suggest ways to handle incidents, complaints, and follow-up action.
- Discrimination
. An overview of protected classes of employees and applicants. An explanation of relevant aspects of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Examples of situations to be aware of and how to report and respond.
- Responsible technology use
, including computer, internet, and voice mail communication.
- Performance feedback
. How to relay on an on-going basis and in an objective and professional manner.
Don’t overlook valuable free and low-cost training resources among your existing professional services and vendors. Worker’s Compensation carriers can provide a risk assessment walk-through, ergonomic experts and handouts for employees.
California’s State Compensation Insurance Fund, for example, offers free fliers from general topics, like back-injury prevention, to industry-specific safety material, such as their on-line “tailgate” newsletter which can be used to meet training guidelines for the construction industry (see http://www.scif.com)
Check with your existing vendors on available training resources:
- Furniture and equipment suppliers can provide literature, videos, and representatives to demonstrate proper ergonomic and safe operation of their products.
- Sexual harassment training is frequently conducted by corporate outside labor counsel.
- EAP contractors can provide sessions on substance abuse and violence prevention.
- The public library and public television are also sources for free and low-cost videos on a wide range of risk prevention for businesses.