Addressing essential skills gaps among participants in an OHS training program: a pilot study

Abstract

The Government of Canada and other agencies have validated nine dimensions of ‘Essential Skills’ (ES) including reading, document use, and numeracy. ES gaps can impede the effectiveness of occupational health and safety (OHS) training. The purpose of our study was twofold: to explore whether OHS learning could be enhanced by integrating curriculum to address ES gaps within a safety training programme, and to identify challenges in applying what is learned to the work site. We piloted this approach within an OHS training programme for riggers of loads that crane operators lift. There was some quantitative evidence that the intervention improved learning, but the sample was small. The qualitative findings from interviews and focus groups indicated a disconnect between training and worksite practices, including using shortcuts instead of calculating safe loads. We produced a guide for those who may wish to try a similar intervention.

Keywords:

• Safety training
• essential skills
• construction
• learning

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to acknowledge the following individuals and organizations for their contributions to the research:

• Ted Gedney, Omar Passos, and Craig Gedney, LiUNA Local 506 Training Centre.

• Shannon Hunt, former Manager, Centre for Educational Excellence, Infrastructure Health and Safety Association, and her successor, Laura Shier.

• Roger Duclos, RAD Learning.

• Mark McKerrow, formerly Social Research and Demonstration Corporation; now, Blueprint.

• Kim Slade, Public Services Health and Safety Association.

• Illia Tchernikov and Jaskaren Randhawa, Workplace Safety and Prevention Services.

• Paul Andre and John Levesque, Workplace Safety North.

• SkillPlan.

• Essential Skills Group.

Additional information

Funding

This research was funded by the Max Bell Foundation [Grant no. 14-C-18] and the Ontario Ministry of Labour-Research Opportunities Programme [Grant no. 14-R-012]. The Institute for Work & Health operates with the support of the Province of Ontario. The funding organizations were not involved in the conduct of the research, the preparation of this article, or the decision to submit it for publication. The views expressed in this document are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Province of Ontario or the Max Bell Foundation.