Safety Training - Biodiesel Plant
"In an effort to improve its poor safety record, a biodiesel manufacturing plant needs a series of safety training modules. These stand-alone modules must illustrate best practices on how to safely operate the many pieces of heavy machinery on the plant floor. The modules should involve step-by-step processes and the method of delivery needs to be available to all shifts at the plant. As well, the shift supervisors want to be sure the employees are engaged and can demonstrate their learning from the modules."
Suggestion
There appears to be three critical issues that need to be addressed to identify the most appropriate learning solution. First, the poor safety record must be assessed to determine if poor performance is attributable to insufficient knowledge and/or low compliance with the best practices. Second, the manufacturing process was described as involving “many pieces of heavy machinery” and this suggests both a comprehensive training on the front end and an on demand trouble-shooting resource on the back end may be necessary. Lastly, since the work occurs on the “plant floor,” a learning technology that employees can effectively and efficiently access from their work areas appears warranted.
Considering these three factors, I would suggest the development of a video/audio based solution delivered via a WEB 2.0 solution such as a Wiki or a stand alone video solution such as “Vimeo” that provides a custom platform for video demonstrations of the work place best practices. These best practices would be first delivered in team or functional area groups and offer an opportunity for discussion during and after viewing for clarifying questions or procedures with group members and one or more supervisors if possible. I would suggest a web-based test (via Survey Monkey) for all employees after viewing the video to identify individuals who have not mastered the content. In consultation with SME, the video training modules should be developed based on functional issues (i.e., points in the assembly process) and/or common problems. This strategy is designed to decrease time and increase ease of access to the needed portion of the video for reference.
Lastly, a video based training modules can be offered through multiple platforms and can be tailored to the work environment. For example, these videos could be viewed on a device as small as an iPod or an iPad. Such devices are mobile and easy to transport. The videos could be downloaded directly to the devices or be placed in a cloud for wireless download when needed. If mobile device are not appropriate, then a laptop or desktop computers could be placed strategically within the plant for easy and safe access.
Evidence of video-based training and trouble-shooting can be found in the medical and automotive industries. Tablet based mobile device’s have gained popularity in the medical field for their ability to maintain and represent medical information in text, audio, and video format (http://www.myhealthyfeeling.com/knee-replacement-surgery-video-recovery-pictures-cost/). However, it must be stated that the “iPad” is limited by its inability to play flash video, but Android based tablet do not have this limitation. The automotive repair industry is replete with examples of "how to” videos to fix anything from a window crank (http://www.ehow.com/video_4997781_remove-window-cranks-cars.html) to discharging a capacitor (http://www.ehow.com/video_4997784_discharge-capacitor.html). If a doctor or mechanic can refer to a video for the best practice, manufactures can certainly do the same if the environment is sufficiently organization and prepared.
I will qualify the choice of video for the training by acknowledging that still images could also be used. However, since manufacturing is an active process, it appears to me that learning the step-by-step process of the best practices in full motion is a more natural process and delivered best through video.
Retrieved from http://www.ehow.com/video_4997784_discharge-capacitor.html
Retrieved from http://www.myhealthyfeeling.com/knee-replacement-surgery-video-recovery-pictures-cost/
Retrived from Vimeo http://vimeo.com/
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