Elements of An Efficient Process Safety Training

In the Process Safety field, training is more than just the process of communicating and transferring specific knowledge to a target audience, it is also a key element to achieve a adequate and sustainable performance. Even after this has been recognized by the organization, it may take more than one iteration to develop and implement a training program, and even then, it should be an evergreen process. This article summarizes the leanings compiled after the implementation of a variety of process safety trainings in multiple sites across different regions in the world.

The program development should start by setting the training goals. A specific topic must be selected to address a previously identified gap. The main goal should be to minimize or close this gap by increasing the audience knowledge in the topic, and to develop subject-matter experts or local leaders in the field. Secondary goals should include: (a) creation of a network, formally or informally; (b) benchmarking existing resources; and (c) helping the audience recognize their expertise limits and additional skills required.

Training techniques and methodology may differ depending on the topic, its audience, and the instructor. However, over the course of different training sessions, the following common elements were identified as part of a successful training. First, make it a 2-way forum by create a sharing atmosphere, promoting questions, and looking for feedback to evaluate if the message was received as intended. Second, acknowledge cultural and/or local differences. Adjust the material ahead of time, and use local resources to your advantage. Last, be flexible. Even a well-defined agenda should have room for on-the-go changes. Learn to recognized potential obstacles, such as resistance to change, and plan an alternative to overcome them.

Safety is an evergreen process; therefore, training does not end with the set of lectures and/or workshop segments. Develop a set of continuous improvement best practices, such as:

? Generate a course evaluation or feedback sheet.

? Get the experts involved, as formal or informal mentors of recently trained personnel, on a project related to the training topic.

? Evaluate the progress achieved and identify the next step (i.e. refresher training, additional/next level training, or another subject).

These are just some elements to be considered during the development and implementation of process safety training based on the experience of the authors. It is the organization's responsibility to define what an efficient training means, and the optimal means to implement it.