OSHA Stresses Limits on Online Training While computer-based training can be a great enhancement to various training, OSHA reminds employers that they must offer interactive and hands-on opportunities with qualified trainers. Nov 20, 2019 The digital age allows us a number of ways to process and relay information, and online training simulations and courses are well intended and received. However, OSHA reminds employers of its policy that online and computer training alone for employees is simply not enough to meet federal training requirements. “One of the keys that OSHA emphasizes in all of its efforts is the importance of training,” OSHA Acting Chief Loren Sweatt declared in a recent speech. “Training must be provided to workers who face hazards on the job. It’s the law, and it’s also good for every business. A highly trained workforce can minimize unnecessary costs and disruptions from an illness, injury, or fatality.” The availability of computer-based training and online courses is understandably a appealing option for employers, but it should not be treated as a training alternative. OSHA states that its training must “result in mastery of the training material,” leading to the conclusion that online training must be supplemented by interactive and physical components, such as putting on and removing personal protective equipment (PPE), according to one EHS Today article. Plus, in-person and interactive training for workers is important because it creates a space for questions, feedback from a qualified trainer. Online training that does not give workers with this opportunity would not comply with OSHA’s worker training requirements. “Training with no interaction, or delayed or limited interaction, between the trainer and trainee may halt or negatively affect a trainee’s ability to understand and/or retain the training material,” said OSHA. OSHA says one way employers can give workers this opportunity in the context of a computer-based program is by providing a telephone hotline so that workers will have direct access to a qualified trainer during the conduct of the online training. But even still, this is not considered optimum by the agency in regard to certain kinds of training. Let's block ads! (Why?)