Using OHS Online Induction Programs for Trades

If you regularly employ (or contract individuals, even other businesses) using online induction software will greatly benefit your working process. Online inductions will give your new employees (or contractors) a very professional experience as they enter your company. More importantly, a proper training program will help alleviate your Occupational Health and Safety obligations. Just because you are in the construction business does not mean you cannot use online tools to get this job done. Smarter business trades industry business owners are turning to web-based business software solutions for a number of reasons.

• Software provides a centralised training location. Online software applications are more commonly used by those in the trades industries because of their increased need to keep legal OHS documentation stored safely in one place. It is common to have changing employees or contractors in these industries, and moreover, it is very common for them to be working on a variety of sites. Online applications allow everyone to access the materials they need to understand before they commence work. They can even do this from the convenience of their own home.

• Software provides a centralised data storage location. As we have just mentioned, your legal requirements are always on the increase. Keeping that data centrally located will mean you are keeping better OHS records. Proof that your company is doing what it should, and proof that your people have completed their induction requirements is essential. Online web-based applications make that easy. Keeping testing papers for a number of years can be a very cumbersome task, for example. Keeping everything online means you can keep it safe, and it can be retrieved whenever you need it.
• Reduced physical and capital requirements. As we have just mentioned, new employees and new contractors can access your training program online, and that means they can do it anywhere. Reducing the need for costly training rooms and session times, not to mention the time it takes for everyone to participate in your program will be welcomed by your accountants and those who need to participate. Think about a new employee. Would they like to complete the training in the convenience of their own home? The cost of investment into this type of induction program will lower your operational costs.
• Monitoring your people and knowledge. Compliance training is a big part of OHS. Knowing who has completed their training, and who has passed the tests you require means you are keeping track of your people. Online applications will provide live data for your management team.
• Keeping a safer workplace. An online OHS training campaign will have a sense of professionalism. All your employees and contractors will know where they stand in terms of what they have been advised on, and what is required of them. Knowing they will also be regularly tested on what they need to know will mean they will understand the need to take their own OHS obligations seriously.

By documenting your OHS training process you are presenting yourself as a more professional organisation, and you are protecting your investment. Not to mention you are creating a safer workplace.

Guest Post by Sachin

This is a guest post by Sachin about using OHS Online Induction Programs for Trades.