Inspiring Great Employee Performance with Managerial Feedback

Posted on July 10, 2019 by

Giving feedback to employees is a concrete skill that managers can sharpen through training.

A manager reviews an employee.

Managers who give good feedback can improve organizations at all levels.

Managers have many roles in guiding their workplaces’ day-to-day operations and keeping employees on track, but one of the most impactful of these duties is providing one-on-one feedback to workers. Today’s workforce is made up of motivated and independent individuals, and giving helpful guidance to these professionals requires a focused and practiced approach. Instead of just assuming every manager is naturally good at providing feedback and inspiring positive change in coworkers, it can pay to invest in training for this specific topic. Continue reading →

Posted in Office Culture, Professional Development | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Stay Safe and Compliant with Video-Based Lockout/Tagout Training

Posted on July 3, 2019 by

Lockout/tagout procedures are essential parts of safety planning at any workplace involving powered machinery 

An employee uses a heavy machine on a shop floor.

Working on heavy machinery is risky without proper training.

The lockout/tagout procedures employees must follow when performing maintenance on powered machinery are some of the highest priority regulations affecting companies today. If your workers ever provide service for equipment, it’s imperative they understand the proper way to lock down the assets they’re maintaining, both for regulatory purposes and to keep them safe on the job.

The rules around lockout/tagout come from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and they apply to a huge selection of equipment. OSHA noted millions of workers service machinery as part of their everyday duties. While electricians, machine operators, craft workers and general laborers are some of the most common positions dealing with lockout/tagout needs, many more employees also have to comply with the regulations. Continue reading →

Posted in OSHA, Workplace Health and Safety | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Refresh Training to Ensure Compliance with EPA Guidelines

Posted on June 5, 2019 by

Complying with EPA regulations requires focus, dedication and training.

A hazardous chemical warning sign.

Is your facility on top of its requirements under EPA rules?

Companies dealing with potential pollutants in their daily operations are required to be careful, keeping the hazardous substances from damaging the nearby environment. Businesses working with petroleum products fall into this heavily regulated category, as do those that generate hazardous waste. If your organization is such a company, you should frequently check to ensure your continued compliance with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines.

The EPA runs multiple programs around the country designed to keep harmful materials out of the natural environment and to clean up already damaged areas. The agency’s report for the 2018 fiscal year noted it received commitments for the proper disposal, treatment or minimization of 540 million pounds of waste.

Getting into EPA compliance and staying there is a multi-step process involving strengthening many aspects of operations and oversight. Your employees are an important part of the equation, as simple lack of familiarity with EPA requirements could lead to inadvertent violations of the rules. By taking a look at a few prominent types of EPA-regulated workplaces, you can grasp the role and importance of employee education. Continue reading →

Posted in Workplace Health and Safety | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Protect Employees with Improved Confined Space Safety Training

Posted on May 31, 2019 by

What are OSHA’s rules around confined space entry – and how should you train employees to operate safely in these areas?

A small entryway to a confined area.

What should companies do to prepare for confined space operations?

Working in confined spaces is one of the most challenging and potentially dangerous duties an employee can serve within a facility or construction site. If your workers have to operate in these limited-mobility settings, it’s up to you to ensure they have optimal training and preparation for the task at hand. Without adequate training programs in place, you leave your company susceptible to fines and penalties. No leader at a workplace or work site with confined spaces should make such an oversight, whether the work in those areas is part of a temporary project or a permanent requirement.

What Does OSHA Require?

Continue reading →

Posted in OSHA, Workplace Health and Safety | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Cybersecurity Training: Always Evolving, Always Relevant

Posted on April 23, 2019 by

Improving your company’s defenses against cyber attacks takes more than IT purchases; you should invest in training.

A red section of computer code.

Today’s cyber criminals know employee error is a huge security weakness.

When thinking of cybersecurity for your company, it’s normal to consider the problem in terms of technology. Hackers and malicious groups are pitting their IT resources against yours, and failure to keep up with this digital arms race may result in the loss of valuable data.

This technical approach to today’s cybersecurity challenges ignores one critical fact, however: Some of the greatest threats to your company are not predicated on advanced tech or rapid threat development. The potential for human error can be a glaring weak spot in any organization’s defenses. Continue reading →

Posted in Professional Development | Tagged , , | Leave a comment