ATTENTION MEMBERS - All Alliance Safety Council locations will be closed December 24 & 25 for the Christmas holiday.
Thanks to federal grant funding, all materials and instruction for this virtual class are available AT NO COST – which allows Alliance Safety Council to offer this training FREE OF CHARGE to our members.
The class will be held via Zoom on Wednesday, June 29, 7:30 – 11:45am. Attendees will learn how to identify and manage infectious disease hazards on construction sites and also how to protect the public when performing construction in a healthcare setting.
The half-day virtual training will focus on exposure to infectious diseases, including COVID-19, in small businesses. Oftentimes, unseen hazards present dangers to workforce health and safety that are more threatening than physical hazards.
Participants will gain knowledge about measures to prevent the spread of harmful airborne and bloodborne contagions. The science may be complicated, but the solutions are easy to include in a company exposure control plan.
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
Click here to learn more and register.
Utility companies understand the importance of having properly oriented contractors on their worksites. It helps you:
The challenge: finding the right contractor orientation system that will close all the necessary knowledge gaps while requiring less on the part of the utility owner.
What do you look for? How do you know when you’ve chosen the right solution? Use this contractor safety orientation checklist as you choose which system to mandate on your worksites.
Not all contractor orientations are equal. Many aren’t standardized or compliant – and often, they’re complicated to create, implement and maintain. You want to outsource your safety orientations to a system with the following benefits.
Implementing a better safety orientation shouldn’t be a big undertaking. Find a provider that offers expert support for the entire implementation process, end-to-end. A system that comes with initial setup, contractor communications and call center support (even after hours).
Long story short, you don’t need ample time and resources to make your worksites safer. The right system and support should do it for you.
The priority of the workplace today is health and safety – and remote whenever possible. While in-person kickoffs and training are valuable, online orientation platforms can offer a streamlined approach to contractors’ onboarding conveniently and safely.
Your contractors don’t have to be tech-savvy to go through an online orientation. For instance, many PowerSafe students take the orientation right from their phones, with multiple support resources they can refer to. Our support team is there for individual help and provides detailed tutorials you can distribute prior to launch.
As an example of a resource contractors receive, read our PowerSafe Mobile Walkthrough infographic.
Safety programs shouldn’t break the budget. In fact, they should produce long-term cost savings.
Properly oriented contractors:
When it comes to jobsite safety orientation, your only role should be to mandate the course for your worksite. The rest should be on the contractors to complete, and on the orientation system provider to implement and maintain it.
Without exhaustively auditing contractor safety certifications, you should be able to trust that contractors are getting the knowledge they need and that their records are automatically verified, managed and always secure.
Mandate contractor safety orientation that makes your life easier through:
You’ve been in the business a while, which means you probably have other educational programs in place. A fresh contractor safety orientation doesn’t have to be a complete overhaul. In fact, it should complement your existing safety courses and help you leverage your safety coordinators on the most important tasks in the field.
Keep your in-person kick-off meetings and training that help your team stay connected, while eliminating redundancy and making sure contractors show up ready for their first day.
The utility industry faces unique challenges and risks when it comes to ensuring safe worksites. Therefore, you would expect there to be proper orientation curated for the utility industry specifically.
You should also be looking for customization. You may already have the content and site-specific standards outlined, so your orientation provider should take that and apply it to the industry-developed curriculum.
Often, contractors sit through inconsistent orientations as a result of instructor preferences, other participants or other variables. Look for consistent safety orientation options that put all contractors through the same verifiable, OSHA-compliant material.
Worksite safety is all about reducing risk, costs and liability. With online contractor orientation, the utility owner can verify that students have been exposed to and exhibit an understanding of the materials presented.
This means that if an injury were to occur and a company gets subpoenaed, they have training records they can provide – offering the utility owner protection.
Alliance Safety Council, one of the nation’s largest occupational safety and workforce development providers, has developed ReadyDriver™, an online truck driving theory program, meeting new Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requirements for commercial driver’s license (CDL) applicants that go into effect February 7, 2022.
ReadyDriver™ is a comprehensive online theory program that participants can complete from anywhere, on any device at their own pace. The program was developed for driving schools, companies that train drivers internally, and individuals seeking a CDL for the first time.
This online theory training program utilizes identity authentication technology, ensuring the highest level of integrity and legal defensibility. ReadyDriver™ automatically submits results to the FMCSA, streamlining the licensing process and eliminating the need to manually submit results.
Local driving school Diesel Driving Academy supported ReadyDriver™ course development as subject matter experts. Combined, Alliance Safety Council and Diesel Driving Academy have over 120 years of experience preparing workers for their careers. These organizations are dedicated to helping solve the driver shortage and logistical challenges our community and country face today, while ensuring safety across all industries.
With the new regulations for entry-level drivers and continuing regulatory and compliance issues facing the industries we serve, we’ll continue to work on mitigation of those issues. We’re committed to investing in improved technology solutions and the latest training techniques, such as micro-learning and immersive capabilities, to increase trainee engagement and, more importantly, retention. This new requirement is an excellent step forward in protecting not only truck drivers but also other motorists on the road.
– Kathy Trahan, Alliance Safety Council President/CEO
Alliance Safety Council is an online Class A theory training provider in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) training provider registry (TPR).
Take the first step to receiving your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
For 20 years, the Certified Occupational Safety Specialist (COSS) program has helped workers master the core competencies necessary to be successful in the occupational safety and health field.
Let’s have a look at the past 20 years.
It was realized that there wasn’t a comprehensive training package for practitioners in the field of safety and health. Too often, employees become responsible for safety in an organization, but is then given no guidance as to how to complete their job duties.
It was with this in mind that the forerunner of COSS, Certified Safety Coordinator (CSC), was conceived. The first class was held in November 2001.
After taking the COSS class, I feel 100-percent more confident and knowledgeable in my new position.
– Joe Eubanks, H&E Equipment Services
The CSC course was built around four key elements:
These elements were all integrated to address the identification and mitigation of hazards in the workplace by relating them to regulatory standards.
It soon became apparent that some things would have to change due to several realizations, such as:
In late 2002, the CSC program was overhauled. New course objectives were written, a new textbook was selected, and the student workbook was revised. Additionally, tests and quizzes were developed, PowerPoint presentations were created for every element of the training, and a comprehensive instructor guide was developed. Additional exercises and activities, such as compliance moments, were incorporated into the program.
…the best training course I’ve attended in a long time.
– Paul Amy, BP Amoco
After several months of ongoing dialogue, many suggested improvements were incorporated into the program. Classes continued at a rate of 6 per year through 2003.
I am much better equipped to recognize, control and prevent hazards. Great course. A must for any technical professional.
– Brenda Maris, Georgia Gulf Corp
These ATPs included Louisiana State University’s Department of Continuing Education; Louisiana State University’s School of Construction Management; the Pacific Safety Council in San Diego, CA; the Houston Area Safety Council in Houston, TX; the Great Lakes Safety Training Center in Midland, MI; and the Tennessee Valley Training Center in Decatur, AL. These partners began hosting classes at their locations and, in 2004, there was a total of 13 COSS classes held across the country.
Additionally, recognition by the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE) was granted in July 2005.
COSS is a great in-depth, knowledgeable, intense course to take. I feel I’m ready to help any company with all of their occupational safety needs after taking this quality course!
– Ron Briscoe, Deleon & Associates Oil & Gas
The informational video below was filmed in 2014 at a COSS course and contains sound-bites from students that attended the class.
In 2020, COSS launched a new website and held its first virtual program. Virtual COSS Series classes are offered in real time during live classes with expert instructors. Virtual courses feature the same innovative and rigorous curricula as in-person courses.
I am proud to have been part of the first virtual COSS class. It is a great program.
– James Summers, COSS graduate, via Facebook
COSS is continually working on improving its website to give prospective students and graduates the best experience possible.
With 14,500 COSS graduates from 48 states and 30 countries impacted by the program, COSS continues to grow and add additional ATPs across the U.S. and internationally.
The best learning experience in my 13+ year safety career.
– Stephen Chapman, Entergy
Look no further than COSS, a curriculum-based program that caters to the needs of beginning safety practitioners, as well as experienced safety professionals in need of a refresher.
Falls from ladders are a leading cause of workplace fatalities. By following the basic rules of ladder safety and having a fall prevention plan in place, serious accidents can be eliminated or substantially reduced.
Here are five basic rules for ladder safety.
It is important to choose a ladder that has the proper load capacity for the job. Consider your own weight as well as the weight of your equipment, tools and materials. The ladder must be long enough to work from without using the top 3 feet.
Before use:
After use:
Ladder placement is important. When using a portable ladder, make sure it is placed on a level surface and that it has non-slip base pads. Protect the base of ladder with a barricade in high traffic areas. Be sure to lock or block any nearby doors that open toward you. If you’re using a stepladder, ensure that it is fully open before use.
A straight ladder should be placed at a four-to-one ratio, which means that the base should be 1 foot away from the wall or vertical surface for every 4 feet of height to the point of support. When climbing onto a roof or platform from a ladder, the ladder must extend at least 3 feet above the edge and be tied off at the top.
Stay near the middle and face the ladder while holding onto the side rails with at least one hand when climbing or descending. Carry your tools on a belt or hoist and always keep at least three limbs on the ladder. Look for overhead power lines before handling or climbing a ladder.
FFor easy reference, we’ve created this handy infographic on ladder safety.
Source: https://safety.nmsu.edu/
Falls are the leading cause of death in the construction industry. By having a fall prevention plan in place and using the correct safety equipment, serious injuries and fatal accidents can be prevented. Here are five ways for workers and employers to identify and prevent common fall hazards on a construction site.
Here are five ways for workers and employers to identify and prevent common fall hazards on a construction site.
It is important to inspect all safety gear before starting a job. Inspect your harness, lanyard, and anchorage point before each use.
Employers must provide sufficient fall protection and safety equipment to workers working six feet or more above lower levels. These workers are at risk of serious injury or death if they should fall.
Employers must have a fall prevention plan in place when working from heights to ensure worker safety. This includes how the job will be completed, the various tasks involved, and the safety equipment needed to complete each task.
When estimating job costs, employers should include all the necessary safety equipment and tools, as well as a plan to have it available at the construction site.
It is important that workers use the right kinds of ladders, scaffolds, and safety gear. Workers using personal fall arrest systems (PFAS) while doing roof work must wear a harness that ties off to the anchor. The PFAS must be fitted properly and should be regularly inspected for safe use.
Employers must train all workers on proper set-up and use of equipment on the job, as well as recognizing safety hazards.
By incorporating these basic safety principles, your workers and construction site will be safer and more efficient. View our available courses section to see various courses on fall safety.
Stop falls. Save lives
Source: https://www.osha.gov/stop-falls
Many organizations, education and testing centers, schools and certifying bodies are shifting to online training. Safety measures during the pandemic accelerated this move, but cost effectiveness and efficiency reinforce the decision as a long-term policy. Organizations need to protect the integrity of their online training by confirming learner identity, verifying participation, and minimizing unethical activities to comply with the standards, regulations and legal expectations associated with various industry organizations.
It is therefore vital to verify that the person completing online training is who they say they are and that they participate as intended. There are various technologies available that can perform these validations but not all can do so without becoming too invasive and becoming a security/privacy nightmare.
There are four levels of validation for online learning:
The participant submits an acceptable photo ID. The user’s identity is confirmed through photo identification using the webcam to complete facial recognition.
Level 1 is ideal when your organization needs to collect acknowledgments for policies and procedures.
The participant must remain in view of the camera and remain engaged with the session for the duration of the training session.
Level 2 is ideal for awareness training that was previously done in person by an instructor. This allows training such as orientations and/or training without a comprehensive examination to be moved online with the confidence that the intended learner received the training rather than just logged into it.
The participant may not receive help from or communicate with other people for the duration of the activity.
Level 3 can be used in conjunction with Level 1 and 2. This is ideal for courses/examinations where communication with other individuals could comprise the integrity of the outcome. For instance, the learner may be monitored for participation throughout the course (level 2) but be notified of a stricter participation monitoring rule for the exam (level 3).
This level of validation is to determine whether the participant is being influenced by outside parties or devices or is violating any of the pre-set session rules.
Regulations in this level of validation include:
Level 4 should be used for certification testing and high-risk training.
With proper identity verification and participation monitoring, organizations and training institutes can now safely enjoy the financial and efficiency benefits of online learning, without sacrificing the integrity of their training.
Want to learn more? Alliance Safety Council will be hosting a webinar on the 23rd of September. Click here to register.
Source: https://www.integrityadvocate.com
Here are some tips on successfully managing a remote team.
This might seem like a no-brainer but with the flexibility of remote work comes a lot of distractions like children, family members, roommates, pets, the overwhelming list of household chores that never ends… the list goes on. We will always have something going on in our life that will be a distraction from work or will cause a disruption in our normal work schedule. However, it is very important to inform your team about any major changes to your daily schedule so they can be prepared for any possible delayed responses on your end.
Most people like to look at the upcoming week on their calendar, see any team meetings and plan work or personal time accordingly. We all know that things can change. Work priorities can switch in a moment or a personal emergency can alter standing recurring meetings. But, for as much as you can, keep your team meetings planned for the same day and time each week. These meetings allow for all team members to get together, discuss their work progress, ask you any questions about current or upcoming work and generally just catch up, whether work related or just what they have planned for the weekend. This is a great way to invest in relationships and get to know more than just the “work-side” of your team.
Depending on the type of work you do this might not be necessary but even if your team does not need to collaborate, it’s still important to set up a form of communication between you and the team aside from traditional email. Utilizing Microsoft 365 along with Microsoft Teams has become a very popular form of collaboration and communication. You can keep things very simple by utilizing the chat function among your team or depending on the work, you can set up public and private teams and add channels on specific projects and clients within a private team to further deepen the collaboration and communication.
Creating a formal way to track team progress is a great way to stay up to date on project and task status without having to ask your team members every time you need to know something. Depending on the work, the way you track progress can be very simple and informal, with a daily or weekly updated spreadsheet. Or, you can allow for greater insight and perspective by using tools like Toggl Track, Jira, Trello and Basecamp. Using a project management software tool also allows for your team to have greater control and insight into what other team members are working on, including what is on the horizon. Just remember, do not take advantage of the insight these tools provide and start micromanaging your team!
Everyone wants to feel and know that their work is valued. It’s very easy to get caught up in the day-to-day workload and forget about all the things your team has accomplished over the last week, month and year. Acknowledge the value and skill set that each team member brings to the table and celebrate successes as a team and on an individual level.
Written by Pyvot E-Learning Project Manager Victoria Hymel
Chances are your world got a lot more virtual over the past year. Jobs moved online, schools moved online … Let’s face it – Due to quarantine requirements, most of our lives moved online due to COVID-19. Whether or not this shift to virtual interactions is new to you, there are a few rules of thumb you can follow to ensure you are projecting the best version of yourself in cyberspace.
Following these five easy tips will help you keep a positive, professional online presence when working with others in your next Zoom meeting:
Whether via Zoom, Google Meet or some other online platform, virtual get-togethers are the new “normal.” Make the most of it by putting your best face forward in cyberspace!
Video elements are excellent ways to convey information in computer-based training (CBTs). A short, single video can demonstrate something that would otherwise take many words (and slides!). However, all video is not created equal. How many times have you seen a video clip that was in the wrong orientation, too small, too grainy or too shaky? Don’t fall victim to bad video.
Here are 10 Tips for Excellent Video in Computer Based Training
Using these tips will result in video clips that are clean, smooth and ready for your training needs!
View our COVID-19 response webinar
To our valued members and partners, we are here to help get you through this. You are not alone. Taking great care of you and your teams is at the center of everything we do.
We invite you to view our on-demand COVID-19 Response webinar by clicking here.
Please reach out to us at 877-345-2515 if any of the service offerings or solutions presented in this webinar would ease any pains you’re experiencing right now. If there are other challenges you’re currently faced with, let us know.
Each year, Alliance helps over 270,000 workers become job-ready with best-in-class training and technology solutions. In every state and around the globe, Alliance delivers timely content with one goal in mind: To create a workplace that’s safer and a workforce that’s more productive.
