menu barsmenu menu close
Bulk Order Pad
Enter full and exact Brady part #'s below:
Ex: M210, 99048, SDPL-RED-38ST-KD6
 
neutral icon This product is in your cart. We'll update the quantity.
Add icon Add Line
Correct or remove part #s that can't be found.

Labels

Printers

Floor Tape

Lockout Tagout

Software

Signs

Pipe & Valve

Tags

Absorbents

Solutions

Resources

Support

The crucial role of annual refresher training for employee success

No business can be truly successful without regular, well-planned training. From onboarding to introducing systems to refreshing important policies and procedures, training is essential. It's necessary to enhance the skills and knowledge of your workforce and drive your business forward.

A study published in the American Journal of Industrial Medicine found that regular training can result in behavioral change and enhanced organizational performance. Training and refresher programs positively improved safety compliance, increased awareness and use of protective equipment, and encouraged more effective communication.

By investing in training, businesses can expect tangible improvements. This article dives into some key benefits and best practices for annual refresher training.

A group of employees receiving an annual refresher training course.

Key benefits of refresher training

Employee refresher training is about updating and reinforcing the knowledge and skills employees already have. It helps them stay sharp in their roles and keep up with the latest developments in their field. It also ensures their continued effective contribution to the organization's success and their careers.

In particular, refresher training is important for accomplishing the following objectives:

  • Keeping employees up to date with the latest regulations, ensuring compliance and security.
  • Identifying any knowledge gaps or additional training needs.
  • Enhancing employee confidence in their abilities and knowledge, leading to improved performance.
  • Reducing the likelihood of errors and accidents in the workplace, thereby improving the overall quality of work.
  • Demonstrating employer commitment to their team's growth and success through the offering of refresher training.

Employee onboarding and introductory training typically receive a lot of attention within organizations, and for good reason. But refresher training serves an equally important purpose for ongoing success.

Best topics for refresher training

Refresher training covers a broad spectrum of topics that will vary across organizations. However, a few central themes typically include reinforcing workplace efficiency, promoting a learning culture, customer service and more. Additionally, refresher training should focus on safety issues that might arise in the work environment.

According to the National Safety Council, some of the most common causes of workplace accidents include overexertion, slips and falls, and contact with objects or equipment. Refresher training on these topics could reduce the chance of injuries or serious accidents.

Safety and emergency response

Workplace safety must be a top priority in any organization. Safety training is an investment that pays off through reduced injuries, improved productivity and a positive work environment. It’s crucial to cover the following key topics comprehensively in training:

  • Understanding safety signs: Safety signs serve a critical role in any workplace for reducing accidents and injuries. They communicate essential information about hazards, emergency procedures and protective measures, but they require proper interpretation by all employees in order to be effective.
  • Risk assessment: Risk assessment means identifying workplace hazards, evaluating the risks they pose and implementing effective control measures.
  • Managing hazardous materials: Improper handling and storing of dangerous materials can result in serious accidents. That's why it's crucial to receive proper training on how to manage hazardous materials to avoid these incidents.
  • Safe operating and maintenance procedures: Safety procedures such as lockout tagout procedures are important for preventing accidents during the operation and maintenance of machinery. These procedures help ensure that machines are properly shut down and locked out to prevent unexpected start-up or release of stored energy.

Training topics such as these can go a long way to prevent accidents and keep businesses compliant with safety regulations.

Regulatory compliance

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has specific requirements and regulations to minimize workplace hazards. However, the rules can be complex and tend to change from time to time. That’s why OSHA compliance training is another important topic for refresher courses, and it should cover topics like:

  • Hazard communication standards: This ensures the evaluation of all chemicals produced or imported and the sharing of hazard information with everyone.
  • Lockout tagout: A robust LOTO program helps compliance through clearly defined LOTO procedures, provides guidelines for controlling hazardous energy during servicing and maintenance and outlines the LOTO training program.
  • Emergency action plan: OSHA mandates an emergency action plan, which means developing a plan and equipping your employees with the necessary knowledge and tools to effectively respond.
  • Personal protective equipment (PPE): PPE is critical for safeguarding employees against hazards such as chemicals or dangerous machinery. OSHA requires that employers provide proper use, selection and maintenance training.

Cleaning and maintenance

Proper cleaning and maintenance procedures are crucial for aesthetics, hygiene and safety. Covering these topics in refresher training helps prevent accidents caused by unclean or poorly maintained equipment. Regular cleaning and maintenance also help identify dangers like loose wires, uneven floors or damaged machinery before they become a safety concern. Typical maintenance training topics include:

  • Cleaning procedures: Different workplaces may require different cleaning processes, depending on the nature of the work. Employees should be trained to clean and disinfect different surfaces properly and use cleaning chemicals and tools safely.
  • Organization and storage of maintenance supplies: Employees should be trained to properly store cleaning chemicals, tools and other supplies to avoid spills, leaks or accidents.
  • Lockout tagout kits: These kits contain the necessary tools to lock out or tag out machinery during maintenance. Refresher training should cover kit contents and proper usage. Lockout tagout stations should be used to keep equipment organized, properly labeled and readily accessible.
  • Scheduled maintenance and inspections: Train employees to recognize issues during routine checks and report concerns.

These aren't the only topics to be covered in maintenance training but are a good starting point.

Technology and security updates

With the rise of Industry 4.0 and other advanced technologies, cyber threats have become more concerning than ever. To mitigate cybersecurity risks, employees must have the knowledge and skills to use and maintain these tech tools. Training employees on security will help reduce the likelihood of a data breach.

This training should cover cybersecurity best practices like being cautious of suspicious links, using strong passwords, and regularly updating software and security systems. These simple steps can prevent cyberattacks from compromising sensitive company information or putting employees at risk.

Customer service

Customer service refresher training allows employees to revisit and reinforce their understanding of essential customer service skills like:

  • Making a good first impression: Refresher training can reinforce the significance of greeting customers warmly, using positive words and body language, and being attentive to their needs.
  • Effective communication: Employees should learn to actively listen, ask open-ended questions and respond helpfully and professionally.
  • Accepting feedback: Refresher training can teach employees to handle difficult situations calmly and professionally.
  • Conflict resolution: Employees should be trained to effectively diffuse conflicts, resolve issues and find solutions that satisfy both parties.

Training can also include role-playing exercises and real-life scenarios to practice in a safe environment while building overall communication skills.

Communication and team building

Clear communication is essential for everyone on a team to effectively execute their roles and understand potential hazards. This can lead to higher productivity and an enhanced culture of workplace safety. Good communication also helps employees feel better by improving confidence and strengthening team relationships.

Here are a few exercises to improve team cohesion, enhance communication skills, and foster understanding among team members:

  • Team-building activities: These range from simple ice-breaker games to more complex tasks requiring collaboration and coordination.
  • Role-playing scenarios: Role-playing helps team members gain different perspectives and develop empathy, improving their communication skills.
  • Communication workshops: These workshops offer practical tools and techniques to enhance communication, including exercises on active listening, non-verbal communication and conflict resolution.

When a team is in alignment and able to communicate well, it encourages employees to contribute ideas and feel empowered to share in the organization's success.

How to make annual training most effective

For refresher training to be effective, you must develop a well-designed and impactful course. This means covering relevant topics, using interactive elements and providing opportunities for employees to apply their knowledge. Here are a few basic tips to help get you started:

  • Provide flexible and accessible learning options.
  • Understand your workers' training needs to design a relevant and beneficial program.
  • Set clear training objectives to provide direction and measure effectiveness.
  • Incorporate interactive elements in the training to keep it interesting.
  • Consider breaking down the training into shorter modules for better focus and retention.
  • Provide continuous feedback to your employees and offer support when needed.

With a strong course and engaging refresher training methods, it's a win-win situation – employees can build their skills and confidence, while the organization benefits from improved safety and elevated performance.

Service and training recommendations from Brady

Learn more from our safety and training resources

Workers discuss the LOTO procedures in an industrial setting.

6 Elements to an OSHA-Compliant Lockout Tagout Program

How to create a sustainable LOTO program that keeps your workers safe.

Implement a strong LOTO program
Success

{{itemAddedCount}} item added to cart.

{{itemAddedCount}} items added to cart.

Cart Subtotal ({{totalItemCount}}): {{subtotal}}
View Cart
Products Added
QTY
Price
{{item.DisplayName}}
{{item.CustomerSpecificDisplayName || item.DisplayName}}
{{item.CustomerSpecificDisplayName || item.DisplayName}}
{{item.DisplayName}}
Part Number: {{item.CatalogNumber}}
Your Part Number: {{item.CustomerSpecificCatalogNumber}}

Thou shalt ship ship by ground only

test
QTY: {{item.ProductQuantity}}
QTY: {{item.Quantity}}
Price: {{item.FormattedProductPrice}}

Sorry, there was a problem adding your item. Please try again.