Workplace injuries and illnesses cost workers their lives and have resounding economic effects. Recent statistics show workplace injuries cost employers $60 billion in direct U.S. workers compensation costs in 2016.

That's why ongoing safety training is so important to saving lives and ultimately your business. The goal of ongoing safety training is to create a level of awareness about safety issues and how to deal with them as well as instituting a culture that nurtures confidence in being able to respond effectively during an emergency.

Workplace safety is always changing, and you must keep yourself and your workers up-to-date on the latest developments. Ongoing safety training shows workers how to use tools and equipment refreshes safety guidelines and reiterates the importance of workplace safety.

Here are the top reasons ongoing safety training is your most important investment.

1) Keeps Workers Refreshed

Ongoing safety training keeps workers refreshed on safety guidelines and hazards around the workplace. When safety guidelines and risks are reiterated to your workers, it invariably makes them more aware of their surroundings. When workers are more conscious of hazardous situations, this improves workplace safety.

Many of the most common workplace accidents occur because workers become complacent or rely on common sense to make decisions rather than remaining consistently informed and guided by safety rules and regulations. Far too many common workplace accidents happen due to a general lack of safety awareness.

2) Shows Workers How to Operate New Equipment

Ongoing safety training keeps workers updated on new equipment in the workplace. When ongoing safety training is a part of regular, routine implementation, all your workers are always up-to-date on safety guidelines and rules of any newly purchased equipment being used in your facility.

For example, if there is a new, slightly advanced forklift from the previous one your workers were using, they should be trained on how to use it safely and certified before they are allowed to drive it around your facility.

3) Reiterates the Importance of Workplace Safety

Workplace safety should be a top priority for your facility, and this should be something you communicate with your workers. By having ongoing safety training, you are showing your workers the importance you place on workplace safety and how much you value it and their well-being.

When your workers see how much you value their health, they will also work harder to achieve safety in the workplace.

4) Ensures You Are Current

As technology evolves, safety training develops into forms that are more efficient. When you have the latest ongoing safety training in place, your workers are making the most of their efforts towards creating a safe environment. 

Even small advancements in safety training could have a great impact on reducing the risks and hazards of workplace injuries and illnesses.

The reality of workplace injuries and illnesses is that many accidents if not all of them are 100% preventable through ongoing safety training efforts and using the proper protective equipment. When you take the time to follow through on providing training and equipment you greatly improve the well-being of your workers and protect your company from incurring expensive workers' compensation costs.

Contact an Arbill Safety Training Expert today to learn more about the benefits of ongoing safety training and build your program today.

Have a Safe Day!