Improved Conflict Resolution Can Be Taught

Posted on July 16, 2018 by

Conflict management is a skill, one that can be taught. When trouble strikes, you’ll be glad your team members have this ability.

A group of employees have a disagreement.

Conflict resolution can be improved through training.

Workplace conflict resolution isn’t just something that has to be done every once in a while – it’s a skill. Individuals with management responsibilities should be prepared to step in whenever problems arise, preventing the lasting damage that can come from unchecked disagreements. The fact that conflict resolution is a unique skill set means it can be taught and instilled through training and should be part of any organization’s employee education priorities.

To discover the value and use of conflict resolution skills, it pays to first consider the consequences of not having these abilities. Next, envision what kinds of specific skills fall under the conflict resolution umbrella. Then, it’s time to investigate the courses that can instill this knowledge in the workforce and improve overall preparedness. Continue reading →

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Embracing creativity and innovation in leadership

Posted on June 27, 2018 by

Companies don’t want to get become complacent in their work practices. They need leaders who are well-equipped to take creative risks and leave them in innovative new directions.

A business employee draws a diagram.

Today’s corporate leaders can foreground innovation and creativity.

In fast-moving industries and unpredictable conditions, well-worn tactics and orthodox approaches to business problems can only get companies so far. Organizations therefore need leaders who can instill creativity and successfully put the business on new paths. While it’s great to find candidates for executive roles who already possess these abilities, they can also be learned. Training that imparts the critical abilities of modern leadership is therefore a valuable investment.

Today’s organizations want to become trend-setters in their fields, determining the rules by which their industries will work in the years ahead. A surplus of creative and innovative thinking in the leadership ranks could be the factor that allows these organizations to sprint ahead of the pack. Teaching individuals to be innovative decision-makers can help firms change their strategies while simultaneously giving those employees a leg up in their own advancement. Continue reading →

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OSHA PPE Requirements: A Quick Refresher

Posted on June 18, 2018 by

What do OSHA’s personal protective equipment requirements entail for today’s workplaces?

A worker wears face and hand protection while working with electrical current.

Personal protective equipment is a carefully regulated requirement in workplaces.

Protecting employees takes many forms, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) rules therefore call on companies to perform several roles. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is an important and tangible contributor to everyday worker safety, and it pays for leaders to remember their duties when it comes to issuing, maintaining and managing the protective gear their team members need.

OSHA considers PPE a final line of defense against danger. The agency would rather see employers prevent hazardous elements from entering their environments in the first place, but acknowledges that when there’s no way to remove potential causes of harm, workers must possess protective equipment. The following are a few parts of OSHA’s PPE rules for managers to keep in mind as they review their own programs. Continue reading →

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Don’t neglect ladder safety training

Posted on May 22, 2018 by

Ladders seem like simple, everyday items but they’re governed by specific and important OSHA rules.

A worker inspects a ladder according to a rulebook.

Ladders of all kinds have unique OSHA rules.

Ladders are a special category among workplace equipment with specific security instructions. On one hand, it’s clear how they can pose a threat to employee health and safety. Improper use of a ladder could lead to falls that cause permanent harm. On the other hand, ladders are so common and mundane that employers may accidentally neglect to treat them with the degree of focus and attention they deserve. Stepladders are used around the house, after all, so workers may believe they don’t need training in how to safely ascend a ladder.

If there is an incident involving a ladder in a workplace, however, a lack of preparation and training will be a real liability for the company. There are several Occupational Safety and Health Administration requirements for the appropriate use of ladders, with differing regulations depending on the type and size of equipment involved. Paying attention to these specifications is the responsible way to keep employees safe and limit liability. The following is a quick refresher on some of the OSHA considerations around ladder use. Continue reading →

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Remembering the importance of lockout/tagout excellence

Posted on May 14, 2018 by

Lockout and tagout machine-guarding procedures are vital safety measures, but they are sometimes overlooked.

A factory worker uses a heavy machine.

Lockout and tagout procedures keep workers optimally safe.

Keeping a company in compliance with industry regulations over time should be a priority for managers at various levels: from the C-suite to individual team leaders and trainers. When those rules relate to worker safety, as with mechanical equipment lockout/tagout standards, getting everyone on the same page becomes doubly important.

Complying with the latest revisions of these important rules is an essential practice. However, there’s never a wrong time to examine current operations and see if improvement is needed. Better employee education is one step leaders can take to ensure their teams are not only meeting official expectations but exceeding them, displaying safety in every element of their duties. Continue reading →

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