In this installment, we’ll take a little closer look at why you train employees. In the training business, that is called doing a “needs analysis” because the “why” is to fulfill some specific need.
In the last post, we mentioned some categories of needs that cover most situations you’re likely to face. The first would be a need to be in compliance with a regulation. The next would be a need to provide knowledge or a skill that allows an employee to perform the job. And, the third is a need to correct some performance deficiency.
Other reasons such as to improve quality, improve retention, reduce stress in the workplace, or any number of other reasons may also be needs that you have. In these articles, we’ll stick to addressing the first three.
Training Need #1 – Fulfill Regulatory Requirements
Do you need to train to meet a regulatory requirement? There are so many rules and regulations that cover our lives, personally and in business, that it’s sometimes difficult to figure out what applies.
The various ways to find out what applies to your situations are to read the regulations, consult with the regulating agencies, attend educational programs or hire someone to figure it out for you.
My suggestion? First, read and (try to) understand the applicable regulations such as the OSHA standards. This may also necessitate delving into other sources such as ASME and ANSI standards that are referenced in these regulations.
Second (and I know this may sound scary), consult with the regulatory agency. Every agency has someone or some office whose job it is to help you make sense of the requirements and understand your obligations.
Let’s look at a “for instance.” The OSHA Hazard Communication Standard for the Construction Industry, states, in part, “Employee training shall include … the physical and health hazards of the chemicals in the work area.”
In this example, the regulation is specific that your employee needs training.
Elsewhere in the standard it tells you what physical and health hazards are. So, you may have a good idea of what you need to teach the employee.
But, what does it mean when it says, “in the work area”?
The definitions say, “‘Work area’ means a room or defined space in a workplace where hazardous chemicals are produced or used, and where employees are present.”
Does this give you enough information to let you know what you have to train in all the various situations encountered in your business?
Yes? No? Don’t know?
Well, in order to determine your training needs, contact the regulating agency and find out for certain.
For most roofers, the regulations in play are the OSHA standards and the Fire/Building Codes.
In the next post, we’ll jump into the other needs.
