We were recently asked about Refresher Training, if there were any OSHA standards regarding this and how often we recommend refresher training.
To our knowledge there is no OSHA standard outlining re-fresher training for material handling occupations (Qualified Riggers, Signal Persons, Crane Operators, etc.) other than one for forklift operators. In this standard, OSHA states each forklift operator’s performance must be evaluated at least once every three years.
So if there is no federal OSHA standard, then what do we recommend? Crane Tech endorses refresher training every two years, even if everything seems fine. Why is this? Usually within a two-year time period we find one of the following has happened:
- Staff or conditions in the work area have changed,
- Equipment or machines have been upgraded/changed, or
- Bad habits have developed.
Plus, we have found that two years seems an optimal length for knowledge retention, one year can feel too short and repetitive but three years between training is typically too long, even for experienced personnel. For example, as our Basic Rigging Quiz findings indicated, while individuals may be considered experienced riggers, at times they revert back to old methodologies or use incorrect information that was passed down to them.
Periodic refresher training helps to keep your team on track with safe material handling procedures. Whether it be reinforcing the proper way to rig a load, current power line safety guidelines, review of the proper signals, or discussing safe practices with an aerial lift, etc. Even if your team is experienced, it is better to spend a day or two in training to stay up to date then having fines, incidents or accidents impact your business.
Of course it should go without saying, that if you do have damaged equipment, damaged rigging, near-miss incidents or accidents, or see un-safe practices happening, training or re-fresher training should be mandatory. Often there is bad habit or misinformation that needs remediation. Don’t brush it under the rug thinking that once something happens then you are good for a while. Chances are, you have just opened the door to a second problem if you don’t take action.
If you have any questions about refresher training, comment below or email us. Remember, Safety through Education is more than just our motto, it is our guiding principle.
To help keep our clients in the know, we offer receive 50% off the current price of any refresher training within 24 months of completing a Crane Tech program or a competitor’s program of similar length (documentation of such must be submitted prior to attendance). To view our 2017 Calendar for Scheduled Courses, click here.