In this Summer 2009 IVES Update Newsletter edition we will cover “Computer Based Training – Good Supplement, Bad Substitute”, an Ask Bob question on pre-use inspections, an embarrassing moment in training, Spanish materials, challenging OSHA citations, accident reports, and more!
Computer Based Training – Good Supplement, Bad Substitute
No other device, tool or machine in history has been integrated into so many facets of human endeavors as quickly and as deeply as the computer. The capabilities of even the most basic of today’s computers coupled with the Internet’s ability to virtually connect computers all over the world has had, and continues to have, a resounding impact on every significant human undertaking: business, science, recreation, and of course, training.
But is the computerized way of doing things better than the way we had, particularly in the arena of powered industrial equipment operator training? Let’s look at some of the pros and cons of computer based training (CBT) for consideration.
Pros
- Convenient – Since a CBT program is usually recorded onto a CD or web based, it is available whenever the trainee is. No need to coordinate the schedules of trainer and trainee. Trainees can also start and stop the program as required to accommodate breaks, work related matters and other things as necessary.
- Accessible – Trainees at different sites can take the training at their respective locations, further enhancing convenience.
- Consistent – The information conveyed to all the trainees is uniform, everyone gets the same lesson as variation between programs and/or trainers is eliminated.
- Self-paced – Trainees move through the program as quickly as their abilities allow.
- Cost effective – There are no travel costs and disruptions to work processes are minimized, meaning employers save money. There is no need to engage and pay an outside training provider.
Cons
- Initial investment required – You’re going to have to spend some money on the program itself and some computer gear to run everything on.
- Quality is variable – Not all products perform as advertised and this is true of CBT programs as well. The accuracy and flow of graphics and information ranges from good to terrible.
- Effectiveness is questionable – CBT programs can be excellent at conveying information but they are abysmal at ensuring understanding. Also, based on my personal experience with CBT trainees, retention rates seem to be quite low.
- Inflexible – Most CBT is what it is. There are usually no options to customize and/or alter the content to suit site and equipment specific issues or to adjust the delivery method for those trainees having trouble understanding.
- Technology can be unreliable – When the power goes out computers go off, but people carry on.
Finally, regardless of the method(s) used to deliver the classroom theory training, a hands-on practice and evaluation must be conducted by a competent person to assess the operational competence of each trainee and determine whether additional training is required. These must be conducted using the same equipment the operator is assigned to operate (or one with similar operating characteristics) and must take place in the actual workplace where the operator uses the equipment.
As a firm believer in instructor led training, I will offer this:
My passion for what I do is borne out of suffering a personal work-related tragedy in which I lost a dear friend. I believe that my trainees feel my passion and respect my experience, neither of which they will ever get from a computer. I also take the time to ensure my trainees actually understand things as we go, not merely memorize what they think I want to hear. I do this not by asking if they can recall some text they read or a graphic they saw but by engaging them with “what if…” scenarios that challenge them to use their knowledge and think about things.
Training is not simply a matter of conveying information and documenting the results. It is an opportunity to motivate trainees toward positive safety behavior through participation, interaction and myriad intangibles that good, human trainers utilizes to convey what to do, how to do it, and why it is done.
We tend to overestimate technology’s ability to make our lives better and underestimate the human spirit from which the technology springs. Computers have their place in modern training programs, but they are most effectively utilized as a supplement, like models or other visual aids. Computers are designed to connect to other computers while people connect to people. Without some kind of radical advancement in artificial intelligence in the foreseeable future, nothing will ever change that.
Rob Vetter
Director of Training
IVES Training Group
Ask Bob
Dear Bob,
During my training class with IVES, the instructor told me that we had to record the pre-use inspections for all our machines. Our Safety and Health Manager says we don’t. Who’s right?
Trent
Hello Trent,
There are no regulatory requirements that I know of mandating equipment users to record and/or document pre-use inspections. However, from a liability point of view documenting all inspections and repairs is a no-brainer. If some kind of incident happens that brings investigators sniffing around, you may not get any static from regulatory authorities for not having pre-use records but you can bet a lawyer will make a federal case of it (no pun intended). Always remember that doing all of this work and documenting everything is not just about regulatory compliance but protecting yourself from liability as well.
Bob
Not-So-Great Moments in Training
Once upon a time, I was teaching a class. And during that program, there was a section where I had the students taking turns in front of the class doing 5 minute, individual presentations. I was sitting at the back table amongst some other students and evaluating each speaker. My back was giving me quite a lot of discomfort that week and the hard backed chairs were not helping. I decided to push back slightly and balance on the back two legs of the chair. It worked quite well for some time and I got very good at balancing in that position, pen in one hand and paper in the other.
I guess I got a little too complacent. Next thing I knew I was, as if in slow motion, falling backwards. I remember two major things. First, I looked behind me and noticed the 8’ x 12’ plate glass window (as I always teach operators ‘look before moving 1-inch in reverse or I’ll nail ya’) so I knew I had to duck so my head would not go through.
Second, the thing I thought would save me, my feet. Since I had a pen in one hand and paper in the other, my hands became completely useless in relation to this new development in the position of my fulcrum point. I frantically “willed” my toes to reach through my boots and catch the edge of the table, which worked…kind of. I miraculously made the point of contact under the table with my toes only to find that there was no lip at the edge so they slid smoothly out from under it.
The next thing I saw were several students standing over me and looking down at me. One of them asked if I would like some help up. “No thank you,” I proudly replied, “I would like to lie here a second and contemplate the moment.” I was just happy I missed the window with a good 6 inches to spare.
Got a funny story? Send it to info@ivestraining.com with the subject line, “Funny Training Story.” We can’t promise to print it but we can promise not to mention your name!
Think You have what it takes to be a Champion?
The Washington Governor’s Industrial Safety & Health Advisory Board (GISHAB) is set and ready to go for forklift rodeo season. Kickoff is scheduled for Saturday, June 27 in Richland, WA.
Think you’ve got the right stuff to be the top of the heap? Come on out and show us what you’ve got. Go to www.wagovconf.org/forklift.htm and register today! See you out there, and bring your co-workers, friends and family out to cheer you on and enjoy free hotdogs, hamburgers, soda and other goodies – yee haw!
Cash and prizes up for grabs!
2009 Forklift Rally – The Best One Yet!
The 12th Annual CMHDS (Canadian Material Handling & Distribution Society) BC Championship Forklift Rally was held on Saturday, May 2 at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds in Surrey, British Columbia, and what an event it was. Event organizers, competitors and spectators from past rallies all agreed that it was the best one yet.
Forty-seven competitors representing 11 companies left the starting line to vie for a winner’s share of the $3,000.00 in prize money. The winnings were presented to those finishing 1st, 2nd and 3rd in the three forklift divisions; counterbalanced, narrow aisle reach and powered pallet jack.
IVES was on hand once again as Platinum sponsor and to develop the competitor tests as well as provide expert course judges.
Dan Beer, Past President and Senior Board Member of the CMMHDS remarked, “… I want to thank IVES Training for their continued outstanding support for the BC Championship Forklift Rally. From the many hours of planning, setting up the course, and judging , to the financial support for developing the infrastructure of the event, IVES Training has allowed us to take this event to a professional level that it hasn’t seen before.”
On behalf of the CMHDS and all those connected with the rally, IVES Training Group would like to extend a sincere thank you to the judges who showed up to offer their specialized services and helped make the event the success that it was.
They were:
- Jim Crook – IVES Certified Staff Trainer
- Rob MacRae – IVES Certified Staff Trainer/MacRae and Associates
- Grant Mackenzie – Pivot Industrial Services
- Don Sayers – Sayers International Training Services
- Keith Griffiths – Griffiths Training
- George Pennington – Williams Machinery
Thanks guys, we couldn’t have done it without you!
The Winners
Sit-down Counterbalanced Forklift
1st – Gary Siu – London Drugs
2nd – Jake Moreau – Versa Cold
3rd – Randy Hiles – EV Logistics
Narrow Aisle Reach Truck
1st – James Ralphs – London Drugs
2nd – John Brackett – EV Logistics
3rd – Steven Calvert – London Drugs
Powered Pallet Truck
1st – Chris Bronson – VersaCold
2nd – Mark Chiccarelli – Wallace & Carey
3rd – Eric Symonds – London Drugs
los están aqui! (They’re Here!)
They are a bit late but we now have Spanish language versions of two of our most popular DVD titles in stock! PUNTO-DE-VISTA (Point of View) and LECCIONES APRENDIDAS (Lessons Learned) are both outstanding safety videos that you can use when training forklift operators that understand Spanish more than English.
Both videos are forklift-related however Lessons Learned makes an excellent addition to any safety training program involving powered mobile equipment, and people. Order yours today!
OSHA Citations: To Challenge Or Not To Challenge
Did you know that companies have the right to challenge/dispute an OSHA citation? Contesting an OSHA citation is difficult and takes time, money and effort.
So, how should employers decide whether to contest an OSHA citation? Consider the following factors:
1. How strong is OSHA’s case?
Can they prove:
- The cited standard applies to the work being carried out.
- The employer failed to comply with the cited standard.
- Workers were exposed to a hazardous condition.
- The employer knew or could have known of the condition with the exercise of reasonable diligence.
Can you prove:
- Uncontrollable employee misconduct.
- Unclear standards.
- No hazard was posed by the violation or a greater hazard was created by complying.
- Inability to comply.
- OSHA officer did not follow proper inspection procedures or failed to issue a citation with reasonable promptness.
2. How big is the potential fine?
Consider the following range of possible penalties available under the OSH Act:
- De minimus notice $0
- Non-serious $0 – $7,000
- Serious $1 – $7,000
- Repeated $0 – $70,000
- Willful $5,000 – $70,000
- Failure to abate (fix the problem) $0 – $7,000
- Failure to post $0 – $7,000
There are formulas OSHA uses to calculate penalty amounts. Employers should understand these formulas and how they were used against them. Otherwise, an employer won’t be able to make an informed decision regarding the “fairness” of the penalty and whether to contest it.
3. How difficult / expensive is it to fix the problem?
A serious citation carrying a mere $500 penalty might not look like a big deal, but it could have a multi-million dollar impact if it involves making significant changes to operations, processes or machinery.
4. Does it hurt the company’s image?
It is true that OSHA citations cost companies money but they can also cost them their reputation leading to potential losses in sales.
5. The Potential for Repeat Violations
A repeat violation can carry a fine of up to $70,000…per violation! To establish a repeat violation under the OSH Act, it must be proven that:
- The cited employer is the same one that was cited previously;
- The previously cited employer was cited at least once before (and within three years of the time that the previous violation became a final order);
- The earlier citation became a final order of the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission; and;
- The earlier citation was for a substantially similar violation.
6. The Risk of Collateral Litigation
An OSHA citation, particularly a willful citation can often trigger all sorts of other legal actions to be taken by the parties involved. Third party lawsuits are very common and employers can face a multitude of direct and indirect costs to defend from them, particularly where an incident has resulted in death or serious injury.
7. The Impact on Employee Morale
Maintaining a positive relationship with employees is a goal that should be shared by all employers. Contesting OSHA citations may have an adverse impact on these relationships. Employers must be aware of such impacts and govern themselves accordingly.
Summary of Key Points
- Carefully consider the costs and possible consequences of contesting an OSHA citation before taking any action.
- Measure the strength of the case against you compared with your ability to defend yourself.
- Consider the amount of the penalty imposed by the citation as to whether it is appropriate / fair under the circumstances.
- Account for the direct /indirect costs associated with correcting the problem.
- Remember your company’s reputation is tarnished with OSHA citations.
- Keep in mind that repeat violations typically deliver a much more serious blow to the pocket book.
- An OSHA citation could touch off other, third party legal actions.
- OSHA citations can have a negative effect on employee morale which in turn can affect production and quality amongst other things.
Accident Reports
Company Fined In Forklift Related Death
Iowa officials are proposing three citations for a North Dakota construction company following a deadly wind farm accident last October. A man was struck by a rough-terrain forklift on the windmill project and later died from his injuries. Reports said the forklift operator did not see the 46-year-old worker.
The Iowa Division of Labor Services is issuing the citations to the construction company for three serious violations. IOSHA said the employer did not ensure that the rough-terrain forklift operators were competent and capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards. It also said the company did not instruct each employee in the recognition and avoidance of unsafe conditions and the regulations. Had the employer provided adequate training, IOSHA said the employees would not have been exposed to these conditions that existed at the site.
Additionally, IOSHA said the company did not ensure the forklifts were operated in a safe manner regarding safe guarding of pedestrians, others standing nearby operating equipment, traffic regulations, and safe distances. The state is proposing to fine the construction company $4,000 for each of the three violations for a total of $12,000.
Trainer Killed
Federal safety officials and city homicide detectives are investigating the death of a worker who was slammed into a building when the aerial lift he was working from tipped over.
Two men were inspecting the roof of a university dormitory when the aerial lift toppled over. The operator was hurled into an adjacent building and died in hospital that evening. The passenger’s condition was upgraded from serious to fair several days later.
OSHA had previously fined the company involved $4,500 for failing to provide guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems for employees working at a job site.
BC Transport Ministry Initiative Has Forklift Connection
There will be incentives for good commercial vehicle operators and stiffer penalties for violators under a new four-point plan unveiled recently.
“If you’re operating unsafe vehicles that have critical defects, then you’d better watch it because it’s going to hit you in the pocketbook,” said Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Kevin Falcon. “It’s a small minority, granted, that do that kind of thing, but these changes, I think, are going to make a difference,” he said.
Privileges like being allowed to bypass roadside checks will be given to carriers who follow best practices and get into the Premium Carrier Program. Instead of simply targeting truckers, the province will also concentrate on shippers who overload or improperly load vehicles.
Falcon said the province would rely on tipsters to provide loading information, which would prompt a portable weigh-scale check. Instead of allowing a vehicle to get back on the road as soon as it’s repaired, the new plan calls for a vehicle in violation of the rules to have its license plates taken away for up to 30 days.
There will also be tighter audits of mechanics and facilities in the Commercial Vehicle Inspection Program. So, when a vehicle fails roadside check after having been recently certified, the mechanic and company that did the work will lose their license to operate. Falcon said a dozen companies have had their inspection-program certification lifted in the past 12 months.
Source: Vancouver Province, April 2009
IVES Team Profile: Dan Busby
Dan Busby is our Corporate Accountant and the hired muscle we send after those (few and far between) folks foolish enough to avoid paying their bills!
Dan started with IVES in February of 2007. The expertise he brings to his work, day in and day out, is obvious to all who work with him, inside and outside of the office.
Dan says, “What I like most about working with IVES is the team atmosphere. Before I came to IVES I had various accounting positions from moving companies to manufacturing, as well as being a long haul trucker. I’ve got more miles backward than most of our trainers have in the air.”
Dan is an advocate of quality time with family and friends and in his spare time he likes landscape and macro photography as well as bird watching. Great to have you aboard Dan.
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