Training is expensive both in the cost of the courses themselves and the lost productivity as employees attend classes. You want the best return on that investment and that goes beyond just sending workers to HAZWOPER certification courses. If everyone involved fulfils their responsibilities, you not only meet federal mandates but create a safer working environment.

Responsibilities of the Employee

HAZWOPER certification is not about sitting in a classroom for 40 hours. The skills learned can save money and lives if applied appropriately. Workers shouldn't see class as a burden but as an opportunity to learn important job functions.

Prior to the course employees should consider how HAZWOPER training applies to their job duties. During class they can take lecture content and imagine how it affects their work. Not only does this make the class more interesting but it leads to better retention of job skills. Instructors appreciate real world examples to use in their courses.

After the class is done, employees can continue to learn by applying what they've been taught. This doesn't just mean on the job. Many HAZWOPER trainees find that some of what they learned can be applied to make their homes safer.

Responsibilities of Managers

A manager can prepare the employee for the class by emphasizing the safety aspects over the federal requirements aspect. Talk with the employee about what the goals of the training are; don't assume they are obvious.

While the worker is in training, managers can help by keeping interruptions to a minimum. Employees who know people are covering for them can focus on the course rather than trying to fight fires back at the plant during lunch breaks every day.

When HAZWOPER certification is over, it will take time for the employee to understand how these principles apply to the job. Point out examples of how company policies reflect HAZWOPER training.

Responsibilities of the Training Department

Small companies may not have a dedicated training coordinator, but most of them probably should. HAZWOPER certification and other training is too important to be left as an afterthought to other duties.

The training department has an ongoing job to keep informed on the latest training technologies such as the rise of online courses. They keep an eye on changes in regulations from OSHA and other agencies so they can modify training programs to keep up with the latest federal requirements.

Training departments can help with obstacles to proper certification, from an employee who is reluctant to take the time off to attend a course to the manager who wants to skip HAZWOPER certification entirely.

With all three roles working in unison, training becomes far more effective. Employees see training as an exciting opportunity. Managers are happy that training is integrated so well into the operation of their departments. Most important, the company becomes a safer place to work