S2a: Inductions – industrial sites

Without a doubt, there is much more we can do to make our induction more effective. Since 1995 I must have been through at least 80 different inductions. Most of the time I feel sorry because the organisation and people could get so much more for their “safety buck” by making several small changes to the induction process.

As you know, the main purpose of inductions is to give people enough information and confidence to do things that will help them and others work safely. Unfortunately, like most systems, unless we assess their effectiveness regularly then tend to deteriorate. But let’s not dwell on the negative – with a little thought – and VERY LITTLE EXPENDITURE we can:

• Reduce the time they take – after about 45 minutes that it – people can’t take in any more. So although we have valuable information to give them, it’s a waste of time doing it all in one go. We have to think harder about what people need in that first hour on the site.
• Keep it simple. It’s a shame that beautifully produced DVD showing aerial shots of a site or a platform or vessel deck by deck – are just not effective.
• Concentrate more on the motivational/emotional aspects of safety. Make sure people are totally comfortable with stopping jobs, asking questions and speaking up for safety. For example having an OIM, terminal manager or Captain give a short three minute talk would show people we mean what we say.
• Make sure the person doing the induction is competent – some people are newly transferred and haven’t known enough, can’t work the technology and speak too fast.
• Have a simple sheet people have to fill in to show they have grasped the essentials but give it out only at the end – not while the DVD is being shown or the induction is in progress. Distracts them and they don’t listen.

That’s only five suggestions – here are a lot more. And most of them are simple, easy to implement and save everyone a lot of time and unnecessary effort.

Fell free to call for an initial discussion – no obligation whatsoever. +44 773 857 1945.

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