Case Study- “The Safety Training Program”

Question 1

I propose that the company’s on-job training should be changed. This is because on-the-job training limits individuals’ learning abilities. In cases that individuals have slow learning capacities, the on-job practice is disadvantageous. The Houghton Refrigeration Company should acknowledge that employees have different learning capacities. This is an implication that those who are slow learners will have difficulties in learning through on-job training. According to Masalimova, Usak, and Sahidullina (2016), on-the-job training does not provide enough time for new employees to transition to new working environments effectively.

Lack of enough training through on-job training also translates to low productivity levels. This is because not everyone can be a good teacher. Considering the short time provided by the Houghton Refrigeration Company in teaching, it is inevitable that new employees are exposed to work accidents. This is because they lack critical knowledge about their duties. The company assumes that since the tasks are simple, there is no need for practical training. Thus, it exposes its employees to more danger as a result of embracing on-job training. Therefore, I recommend a change in the way of training to avoid such negative implications for employees.

Question 2

The company should introduce employee orientation because of the benefits it has on employees. By installing an orientation program, the new employees will be able to learn primary and also vital rules and the structure of the company (Acevedo & Yancey, 2011). Houghton Refrigeration Company deals with manufacturing, which adds up as a company that operates based on specific rules. Orienting new employees will be significant in helping them to know the structure of the company and essential practices. The company policies and procedures are also some of the basics that can be introduced during the orientation program.

Policies and procedures that govern important features, such as the dressing code of the company, are essential. This is an implication that the employee orientation program introduces employees to their new companies. This is a chance to set the ground for effective communication that is also a fundamental aspect of any business. Besides, employee orientation establishes the much-needed connection between employees, their management, and their co-workers. This is a factor that positively influences the respective business through building trust. Thus, the orientation program impacts both the employees and the entire business. This means that if the Houghton Refrigeration Company initiates an orientation program, it will improve how employees relate to the work. Thus, they will enhance the familiarity of their working environment with employees, leading to reduced job accidents.

Question 3

There are significant changes that should be implemented in the company’s safety program. Firstly, there is a need to employ safety program personnel. This is because the current individual obliged with the responsibility of training employees on safety is not qualified. The need for a qualified trainer is essential because they know what the duty entails in detail (Analoui, 1994). The current duty has been assigned to the first-line supervisor, who is not familiar with the basics of the training. This has been one of the reasons leading to the demeaning of employees whenever they fail in their duties or get injured.

The company, after getting a qualified trainer, there is a need to reschedule the program period. There is a need to acknowledge the benefits of safety education and accord it with enough time. The current structure of the safety program takes a little time possible without having a real impact. This is an implication that employees who are one of the pillars of the company are not helped. Their dissatisfaction is evident in their behavior after the previous training that saw every employee amused at the end. This means that employees have seen gaps in the safety program and require enough time to have a real impact. These changes will be useful and promote safety skills among employees.

Question 4

Apart from training employees, the Houghton Refrigeration Company can also implement periodical check-ups within its working environment. This is a critical measure that will boost safety measures in the company. The checking of the working environment ensures that damaged equipment is repaired to avoid safety issues (Jonathan & Mbogo, 2016). This will safeguard the trust between employees and the management on the priority of their safety. Secondly, the Houghton Refrigeration Company can initiate a platform where employees raise their concerns and receive immediate feedback. This is because a lack of positive feedback has also been identified as a setback in improving working safety. The company can utilize the benefits of immediate and positive feedback in encouraging employees to report dangers at their workplace. This will significantly help in minimizing preventable work accidents. Lastly, the company should embrace marking and signs as a tool for promoting safety at work. This should involve signs that imply various tools and their usage. In return, employees will observe the signs in their daily activities and take precautions where possible.

References

Acevedo, M. J., & Yancey, B. G. (2011). Assessing new employee orientation programs. Journal of Workplace Learning, 23 (5), 349-364.

Analoui, F. (1994). Training and development: The role of trainers. Journal of Management Development, 13 (9), 61-72.

Jonathan, K. G., & Mbogo, W. R. (2016). Maintaining health and safety at the workplace: Employee and employer's role in ensuring a safe working environment. Journal of Education and Practice, 7 (29), 1-7.

Masalimova, R. A., Usaki, M., & Shaidullina, R. A. (2016). Advantages and disadvantages of national and international corporate training techniques in adult education. Current Science, 111 (9), 1480-1485.