Page 16 - NovDec2021 Vol39No5

STATE WIDE
From Podcasts to Videos to In-Person:

United Rental’s Safety Trainings

In the Public Works arena, it’s a • Excavation Safety for Competent Person delivery, for example it’s a great option
“given” that safety training is extremely • OSHA 10-Hour Construction for times when rain is in the forecast and
important for workers involved in Each interactive class, held over contractors wish to use their crew’s time
construction activities. WebEx, features the same comprehensive more effectively,” said Davis. “You can
When the pandemic hit, curriculum as the in-person classes knock out some training requirements
municipalities, construction companies, and is taught in real-time by the same instead of having the crews sitting
equipment rental companies and others instructors. The instructor can ask around.”
all looked to find alternative ways to questions, and participants can answer Wise agreed that the virtual
get that training done in a safe but still them (and also ask their own questions). convenience provides their customers
relevant manner. The unknowns (and A second trainer is on hand to assist a speedy yet comprehensive training
knowns) around COVID-19 disrupted with any technical issues and ensure that alternative. “We’re trying to give
usual training methods, including everyone has a solid learning experience. contractors training options that help
classroom and hands-on training. One All class materials are then available for them manage safety training as they
thing was clear… if the work continues, download. balance productivity in the field. While
so must safety training. Flexible, Convenient Delivery in-person training may still be the best
That’s also true for companies Joe Wise, Regional Customer Training method to foster learning, many have
performing trench or excavation work, Manager with the United Rentals Trench found that these alternatives with live
according to Tina Davis, a member of Safety group, said that “once OSHA instructor led virtual instruction are
United Rentals Trench Safety group. permitted the instruction of their OSHA becoming a new method of educating the
She said that maintaining a focus on 10 courses to be taught virtually, the workforce in an acceptable and efficient
safety is especially important in the time training department adapted quickly way.”
of COVID, when workers may have to meet specific requirements on their Another way that United Rentals
additional distractions to contend with, WebEx Training Platform. Those has adopted alternative ways to lead
such as adhering to local mandates and necessary training elements include things educational safety topics is through the
government orders, keeping masks in like proof of attendance as well as the launch of their “Behind the Standards”
place and maintaining social distancing. ability for students to interact with live Podcast. These messages of safety cover
“The hazards that people can face instructors with questions they may have. a broad range of topics tailored to utility
in excavations or in confined spaces Providing multiple options for dialog and contractors. With over 20 episodes
haven’t changed, so it’s important to knowledge checks through audio, chat, published, the podcast has received more
raise workers’ awareness again,” Davis and polling features establishes better than 3,000 downloads among safety
said. She stressed the critical nature engagement that is important to adult minded listeners.
of ensuring those workers are trained learning.” Trench Safety Stand Down Week
as a competent person according to If the public class times aren’t For example, during the 2021 Trench
applicable OSHA standards. convenient, employers are able to set Safety Stand Down Week (June 14-
“Having gone through competent up private classes at a time that fits 18), United provided a full week of
person training two, five or ten years their schedule, at no extra cost. They educational seminars and toolbox talks
ago doesn’t mean that much if you can’t can choose to train only a handful of to raise awareness about the hazards
prove that you retained that knowledge, employees at a time, or 50 or more, associated with trench and excavation
understand the hazards and can take depending on workloads and the work. The company said that since trench
appropriate actions to mitigate them,” company’s budget that month. and excavation work is among the most
she said, adding that if a designated After the pandemic hit, United’s Trench dangerous jobs in the construction
competent person doesn’t retain that Safety group generated nearly 3,000 industry, its goal was to reinforce the
knowledge, it’s time to repeat the downloads through 20 podcast episodes, importance of working safely in and
training.
and conducted approximately 500 around trenches to help prevent fatalities
New Training Methodologies virtual classes reaching more than 4,600 and injuries.
When the pandemic hit, the United students. The classes’ popularity means During the Stand Down Week,
Rentals Trench Safety group acted the company may plan to continue to offer employers were encouraged to review with
quickly, offering virtual instructor-led virtual options going forward. their employees the hazards associated
training in English and Spanish. For Advantages of “Going Virtual” with trenches and excavation work,
example, these virtual classes include: “Virtual is such a flexible means of the regulations around them and best
• Confined Spaces in Construction practices to help keep themselves and co-
16 TPW November/December 2021