Dive Brief:

• When it comes to training topics, safety is a priority. Ninety percent of organizations surveyed by the Association of Talent Development (ATD) train employees on safety procedures. Of those, more than 90% cover employee and workplace safety, while 84% train on digital and information safety, and 48% teach customer safety, according to results released in March.
• Onboarding makes a popular time for safety training; 92% of respondents said they carry out such instruction at this time. Eighty-two percent said they conduct regular safety refreshers, with some occurring due to updated government regulations (73%) or safety incidents (72%), ATD said.
• Three-quarters of respondents used simulations to deliver their trainings, with many (73%) carrying out non-technical simulations such as fire drills or role playing. About as many used computers to perform simulations, while 27% chose virtual or augmented reality simulators.

Dive Insight:

Safety training is important to many businesses as it cuts down risk. Organizations may be motivated to keep their workers up to speed on cyber security safety, for example, to minimize the dangers posed by phishing attacks and data breaches. Legal obligations also motivate employers to prioritize workers' physical safety: the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

This agency develops and enforces workplace safety standards that prevent job-related accidents and illnesses, sources previously told HR Dive. Because the law creating these standards, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration Act, covers private employers with one or more employees, safety compliance is a consideration for a vast amount of organizations. Though specific safety standards differ according to industry, OSHA publishes the 10 most frequently cited standards each fiscal year. In FY 2018, the construction industry's fall protection standard was cited the most, with hazard communication, scaffolding, respiratory protection and control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout) rounding out the top five.

With safety a persistent issue, employers have turned to new methods of training like virtual and augmented reality, as the survey indicated. The format has generated reports of success. Tyson Foods implemented virtual reality training and reduced worker injuries and illnesses. Meanwhile, a recent study from the University of Nottingham found such training can boost safety by providing greater engagement and knowledge retention.