June_2022 - 31

Rail Safety
" You've got to figure out what your people are struggling with,
identify that need through some form of a skill gap assessment
and then go out and focus on that piece that your people are
struggling with, " said Bellew.
By analyzing what a training course is trying to achieve and
being proactive with skill gap assessments, organizations can
save time and money in the long run.
" By taking that brief moment to be more targeted with what it
is we're training, we truly are gaining back quite a bit of effort in
the future, " explained Bruhnke. " We're making sure [knowledge]
transfer has taken place today versus waiting for something to
perhaps, unfortunately, find us months down the way. "
Justifying the Cost of Training
If organizations have been operating regularly without incidents,
it can be difficult to quantify a return on investment when it
comes to training. But organizations should be cautious of having
the mindset that they have a safe work environment because
there haven't been any incidents. In other words, is it safe on
accident or on purpose? Instead, consider taking a proactive
approach to ensure the program is working and is valuable.
" I can build a PowerPoint for fairly cheap in the comfort
of my own home on a computer and it will probably meet the
requirements, but am I really providing the value to my team
to ensure that they are getting the best product to ensure they
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can go out there and perform that task to the highest extent
possible? Maybe I am, maybe I'm not, " said Bellew.
Creating and auditing a valuable safety program uses resources
that need to be justified. So, organizations should start
with a needs assessment. Step one is to figure out what is needed
to be successful. And this might not include training. Maybe
the need can be addressed with a one-on-one conversation,
explains Bruhnke.
" That needs analysis is very important to recognize that we
are training for the right reasons, " said Bruhnke.
To continue developing a robust safety program, use the
needs assessment to develop concrete learning objectives,
which also indicate what needs to be evaluated at the end.
Next, select the type of learning best suited to the need (i.e.
instructor led, e-learning, blended) and a trainer (if applicable),
and then start building meaningful material. Feedback
comes next to ensure the training will achieve what the needs
assessment revealed. Then the organization and instructors
should prepare their audiences for the upcoming training. At
the end of training, utilize the evaluation data to monitor the
success of the course.
" If employers can embrace a complete learning process that
ensures the learning transfer has taken place, a safer workforce
will be the return on investment worth the efforts, " concluded
Bellew.
Conference Leader Since 1994
PRESENTING SPONSOR
Coming to Vancouver, BC, June 21, 2022
www.wheel-rail-seminars.com
JUNE 21
TUESDAY
The Rail Transit Seminar is devoted to examining wheel/rail and vehicle/track interaction on light rail and subway operations.
This cross-disciplinary seminar will include presentations from experts in vehicle/track dynamics, noise and vibration,
wheel/rail profi le design and maintenance, and friction management.
In conjuntion with the Rail Transit Seminar,
two additional seminars will be presented immediately following.
JUNE 22
WEDNESDAY
JUNE 23-24
THURSDAY/FRIDAY
Questions: Contact Brandon Koenig, Director of Operations 847-808-1818 or Brandon@wheel-rail-seminars.com
For more information, visit www.MassTransitmag.com/21252748
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June_2022

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