Why training films have an essential role to play

Training courses are an essential part of health and safety and play a key role in ensuring both businesses and employees are playing their part to prevent potential accidents and near misses. These courses often vary in delivery, which can be online or presential in the classroom depending on which modality is most suitable.

A range of training methods

During a course, a trainer will utilise a variety of materials to retain the participant’s attention and to make sure the message is being delivered as effectively as possible. These can range from simple handouts to PowerPoint presentations or training films, while each offers its own particular benefits: 

• Handouts allow participants to take away the key points of the course with them. These can be revised at a later date to ensure they remain up-to-date on the specific dangers they face in their working role.
• PowerPoint presentations are ideal for displaying diagrams with accompanying information allowing the delegate to see the real dangers they face. 
• Training films delivered via DVDs, USB and download are great for showing participants what to do but more importantly what not to do. This last point is essential, it is often easy to understand what we need to do to stay safe, but it’s also vital to be aware of what we must not do in order to ensure we keep others safe while working.

The vital role played by training films

Everyone knows the old adage that a picture is worth a thousand words and this is certainly true when it comes to health and safety. Once you see an image of potential hazards or other health and safety issues you may potentially face in the workplace, it allows you to clearly understand the risks. But, with this mind, it must mean that a video is worth a million words. With a training film, participants can retain and absorb the information being communicated to them much more effectively.

A seasonal example  

Every year around the Christmas/New Year period television advertisements are run highlighting the dangers of driving under the influence. These frequently show not only the dangers to the individual but also the ripple effect arising from such acts. Similarly, a training film is able to spotlight the serious and long-lasting consequences of ignoring health and safety guidelines. 

Multiplying the benefits

The value of training films can be further enhanced when they are paired with additional extras. These may include questionnaires used to measure the progress made by a participant. These can either be given before and after the course to measure whether participants have absorbed what they have learned or can be presented after the end of the film to ensure they have engaged with the course.

Trainer notes, including both a handout and a shorter questionnaire, are another popular extra. These offer the participant the opportunity to revise what they have learned on the course at a later date.

A trained and safety conscience employee is an extremely important asset to any organisation. Training helps employees feel more valued while encouraging a strong safety culture within the workplace. The use of a training film can show the employees that the organisation cares for the safety and wellbeing of its staff and has invested in enhancing their learning experience. 

Alan Farnod is managing director of Paragon Training. For more information visit, www.paragon-training.com

Tel: 01582 420 450