Confined spaces pose unique risks to workers and due to the highly individualized nature of each confined space, workers must be appropriately trained for the tasks they are to undertake. There are many ways in which effective training can enhance safety outcomes, including:
Hazard identification
Proper confined space safety training equips workers with the ability to assess the space and identify the hazards that it poses to them and their team. Recognizing these dangers allows effective mitigations to be put in place, reducing the risk of accidents.
Risk assessment
Workers must continually assess the risks of their operating environment to understand whether any environmental condition changes or the work they are doing is changing the risk level of the space that they are in. Often, the use of power tools can increase the presence of toxic gasses or increase the temperature of the space to unsafe levels. Proactive risk assessment can keep workers safe.
Build confidence
Workers who undertake proper confined space safety training become more confident in operating in confined spaces, performing their tasks calmly and effectively, caring for team members and making sensible decisions. Equipping workers with the ability to operate confidently is vital to mission success.
Enhancing communication skills
It is of paramount importance that workers within confined spaces communicate effectively with each other, their supervisors and any rescue teams that are deployed. By keeping everybody informed as to progress and challenges, emergencies are less likely to arise and if they do, they are more likely to be overcome.
Learn effective safety protocols
All organizations that require workers to enter confined spaces must have safety protocols that comply with legal standards, and they must communicate these to their workers. Enrolling workers in proper training programs not only equips those workers with the knowledge they need to work safely but also demonstrates legal compliance.
Learn to use PPE
It is often necessary to use forms of PPE such as ventilators, helmets and harnesses when entering confined spaces and proper training programs ensure that workers know how to look after, fit and use the PPE that they are provided with.
Practice emergency preparedness
In an emergency, time matters, so learning how to execute emergency evacuation and response plans in simulated scenarios is essential to put theoretical learning into practice without putting lives at risk. Emergency preparedness training saves lives.
Establish a safety-first culture
Safety training programs reinforce an organization’s commitment to worker safety and educate workers on how to care for each other, report hazards and comply with safety protocols, thus reducing the likelihood of workplace accidents.
Learn about the law
Canada’s safety laws must be communicated to all workers to reduce the liability risk, equip workers with best practices and help them understand the consequences of failing to follow established safety protocols.
Continuous skill development
Safety training should be refreshed regularly to ensure that workers are aware of the latest safety practices and any legislative or regulatory changes. It also reinforces company culture and helps staff maintain skills currency.
Investing in proper safety training contributes to enhanced safety outcomes, happier workers and a reduced risk level.