TRAINEE: the newcomer to the job is in a particularly vulnerable position so far as safety is concerned. Training should be fully supervised by a competent person. A general rule regarding training is that the employer is responsible for supplying training; the employee is responsible for applying that training. Implicit in this, is the quality of the supply and review of the application.

 

LEARN: the way to carry out tasks in an appropriate and safe manner. There is an obligation on the trainer to ensure the trainee becomes competent in their tasks. This means ensuring key elements of the task are identified and passed on to the trainee.

 

APPLY: what is learned. In our area of health and safety, a trainee must not be placed in a hazardous situation until the supervisor is sure of the trainee's competency. This may include such things as not allowing operation of a particular machine until an official licence-to-operate is produced by the trainee. EG a fork-lift operator's licence. It may include passing on the knowledge of where personal protective equipment is located and how to fit and maintain that equipment.

 

REVIEW: the way the trainee applies their learning. A timely review can save lives by discovering deviations and correcting them before major incidents occur. The old maxim "a stitch in time saves nine" applies here. In fact, a review process of all operational aspects of the job should be carried out annually, which includes competencies of each and every employee in the organisation. Note that such things as ageing or injury can affect the way a person applies their training. Changes to operating procedures and systems of work may impact on an existing task and require a training update.

 

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