MODULE 4: WRITTEN ASSIGNMENT 1

Module 4: Written Assignment 1

Matthew Thiessen-Edwards

University of Fredericton

OHS 2223 – Safety Training II

March 14, 2023

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Introduction to the Training Program

The training program we will be reviewing is called "Noise Control & Hearing

Conservation," which is aimed at raising awareness among employees about the importance of

hearing conservation, the hazards of noise-induced hearing loss, and how to prevent it. The

program is delivered to all employees who work within Orion Plastic, as they are constantly

exposed to noise levels that exceed 90 dBA, which is higher than the legislative requirement

threshold limit.

The program uses a mix of visual aids such as PowerPoint presentations, videos, practical

demonstrations, and hands-on practice to ensure that the employees understand the hazards of

noise-induced hearing loss and how to use hearing protection equipment correctly. The training

is also available to be translated in multiple languages to cater to the diverse workforce of Orion

Plastics. These language options include English, Tagalog, and Hindi, which are the three most

common languages in our facility. To achieve this multilingual training program, the main

trainer is accompanied by another manager in the facility to provide translations as required to

ensure information is received clearly should the language barrier exist.

The primary objectives of the program are threefold. Firstly, to educate employees on the

importance of hearing conservation and the risks associated with noise-induced hearing loss.

Secondly, to train employees on identifying the need for hearing protection and effectively using

it. Finally, the training aims to ensure that employees understand the appropriate selection and

utilization of hearing protection. These objectives are essential to keep employees safe and

prevent hearing loss in the workplace.

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Delivery of the Training Program

The training program is delivered in person by a qualified trainer who has experience in

noise control and hearing conservation. The trainer starts the session by introducing themselves

and outlining the objectives of the training program. They then proceed to present a PowerPoint

presentation that covers the following topics:

1. Introduction to noise-induced hearing loss

2. How hearing loss occurs

3. Symptoms of hearing loss

4. Factors that contribute to hearing loss

5. Legislative requirements for noise exposure

6. How to identify the need for hearing protection

7. Different types of hearing protection equipment and their correct usage

8. How to conduct a noise assessment

The Noise Control & Hearing Conservation training program employs a variety of visual

aids to ensure employees' understanding of the hazards of noise-induced hearing loss and how to

prevent it. In addition to the PowerPoint presentation, the training incorporates specific videos

that cover the nature of noise, the causes and symptoms of noise-induced hearing loss, and how

to choose and utilize appropriate personal protective equipment specific to the job.

The videos are followed by a practical demonstration by the trainer, showcasing how to

correctly use various types of hearing protection equipment. Each employee is then given an

opportunity to practice correctly putting on earmuffs and earplugs and ensuring their proper fit.

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By incorporating these hands-on learning experiences, the training program equips employees

with the necessary skills to protect their hearing in the workplace.

After the practical demonstration, the trainer briefly describes the process of conducting a

noise assessment in the facility, including how to identify high noise level areas and determining

if any modifications are required to reduce noise levels. The trainer also points out the areas on a

site map that has been developed to show the approximate noise levels around each source of

noise. Through this guidance, employees gain an understanding of the importance of noise

assessments and the steps involved in the process. They can use this knowledge to contribute to a

safer working environment and minimize the risk of noise-induced hearing loss.

Strengths and Weaknesses of the Training Program

The Noise Control & Hearing Conservation training program is a highly effective tool for

raising employee awareness about the hazards of noise-induced hearing loss and how to prevent

it. One of its greatest strengths lies in its use of high-quality visual aids, including interactive

PowerPoint presentations and engaging videos that simplify complex information and actively

engage the audience. Moreover, the practical demonstration component of the program provides

hands-on experience and reinforces the correct usage of hearing protection equipment. These

strengths make the program an excellent learning experience for employees and equip them with

the knowledge and skills they need to protect themselves from hearing loss.

Despite the program's effectiveness, there are a few areas that need improvement. For

instance, the trainer's verbal communication skills can be inconsistent, which can lead to

confusion among employees who don't speak the same language as the trainer. This weakness

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can be addressed by having a second trainer present to provide translations and ensure everyone

understands the information presented.

As with any training program, it's essential to keep the Noise Control & Hearing

Conservation program up-to-date with the latest regulatory changes. While the program currently

covers the essential aspects of hearing conservation and proper equipment usage, it doesn't yet

include information about new legislative requirements related to noise exposure. To ensure that

employees have the most recent information and the necessary measures to protect themselves,

it's crucial to update the training program to meet these requirements. Additionally, incorporating

innovative hearing protection technologies like smart earmuffs and earplugs that provide real-

time noise level monitoring and feedback can further enhance the program's effectiveness in

safeguarding employee health and safety.

Overall, the Noise Control & Hearing Conservation training program is effective at raising

awareness among employees about the hazards of noise-induced hearing loss and how to prevent

it. However, there are opportunities to improve the program and make it even more effective in

protecting the health and safety of employees.

Discussion of S.A.F.E. Training Principles

The S.A.F.E. Training principles are a framework designed to help organizations develop

training programs that are effective and engaging. The principles include Simple, Active,

Familiar, and Engaging, each with its own unique contribution to creating effective training

programs.

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Simplicity is key when it comes to training materials. In the training program, the

PowerPoint presentation and videos are examples of how this principle is applied. They use

clear, concise language and visuals that help learners understand complex information.

Simplicity in training materials is important because it helps learners to focus on the most

important information without being overwhelmed.

The principle of Active learning involves incorporating activities that require the learners'

active participation, rather than passive observation. While the program does use some active

learning activities such as practical demonstrations, it could benefit from more interactive

activities such as group discussions, case studies, or role-playing exercises. Active learning is

important because it encourages learners to engage with the material and apply it to real-world

situations.

Familiarity in training materials involves presenting information in a way that learners can

easily understand and relate to. One way to do this is by using examples that are relevant to the

learners' experiences. Familiarity in training is important because it helps learners to relate to the

material and retain the information more easily.

Engagement involves creating a learning environment that is enjoyable and motivating for

the learners. In the training program, the PowerPoint presentation and videos are engaging, but

more opportunities for active participation and discussion could be added to make the training

more engaging. Engagement is important because it encourages learners to be more motivated

and invested in the training program.

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To incorporate more of the S.A.F.E. Training principles into the program, it may be helpful

to consider redesigning some of the training materials to include more interactive activities or to

incorporate more real-world examples or case studies. This could help learners to understand

how to apply the concepts they have learned to real-world situations. Additionally, incorporating

more opportunities for learners to actively participate in the training, such as through group

discussions or role-playing exercises, could help to further engage learners and reinforce key

concepts.

Other Areas for Improvement

In addition to the S.A.F.E. Training principles, it is also recommended that Orion Plastic

consider incorporating adult learning principles into the "Noise Control & Hearing

Conservation" training program. Adult learners have unique characteristics that need to be

considered in training design to ensure that the program is effective.

One key principle is self-directed learning. Adult learners are motivated to learn when

they can see the relevance of the training to their job and can apply what they have learned. To

support self-directed learning, the training program can include opportunities for employees to

apply what they have learned in the workplace and to receive feedback on their performance.

Another important principle is experience-based learning. Adult learners have a wealth of

experience that can be used to enhance their learning. The training program can incorporate

opportunities for employees to share their experiences with each other and to learn from each

other.

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Relevance is also critical for adult learners. They need to see the relevance of the training

to their job and personal goals. The training program can be tailored to the specific needs of the

employees at Orion Plastic to ensure that it is relevant to their job and their personal goals.

Lastly, flexibility is important for adult learners. They have busy schedules and may

require flexibility in terms of when and where the training is delivered. The training program can

be designed to be flexible in terms of delivery, such as offering online modules that employees

can complete at their own pace.

Recommendations for Improvement

After analyzing the "Noise Control & Hearing Conservation" training program, several

recommendations for improvement can be proposed. Firstly, updating the training materials with

the latest research and information on hearing conservation and noise-induced hearing loss

would help to keep the program relevant and effective in meeting employees' needs. As new

research and findings emerge, it is crucial to incorporate this information into the training

materials to ensure the highest level of protection for employees. This update is also essential to

remain compliant with upcoming changes in the Occupational Health and Safety Code regarding

noise exposure.

Secondly, it is recommended that the trainer work on improving their communication and

delivery during the training. This could involve training the trainer to speak more clearly, avoid

stumbling over words, and presenting the material in a more concise and easy-to-understand

manner. By implementing these recommendations, the training program can become more

effective, leading to better protection against noise-induced hearing loss.

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Third, incorporating more interactive and familiar learning activities, such as group

discussions and hands-on exercises, could improve the training program. This will increase

engagement and encourage participation from employees. In addition, interactive learning

activities can help address the language barrier by allowing employees to engage with each other

in a more comfortable and familiar way. For example, a group discussion on the importance of

hearing conservation and personal experiences with noise-induced hearing loss can help

employees understand the topic better.

To ensure the continued effectiveness of the "Noise Control & Hearing Conservation"

training program, it is recommended that periodic evaluations be conducted. This assessment

could involve a range of methods, including employee feedback surveys, observations of

employees in the workplace, and tracking of incidents related to noise-induced hearing loss.

Based on the results of these evaluations, any identified areas of improvement can be addressed,

and the training program can be adjusted to improve its overall effectiveness. By regularly

evaluating the program, Orion Plastic can ensure that its employees are receiving the best

possible training to protect their hearing and prevent noise-induced hearing loss.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the "Noise Control & Hearing Conservation" training program at Orion

Plastic has several strengths, such as a comprehensive PowerPoint presentation and a practical

demonstration of hearing protection equipment use. However, there are also areas for

improvement, such as updating the training materials to reflect current research and legislation,

and incorporating adult learning principles into the program design. By addressing these

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weaknesses and building on the strengths, Orion Plastic can improve the effectiveness of the

training program and better protect their employees from noise-induced hearing loss.

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Sources

1. Government of Alberta. (2022). Noise exposure – Part 16 in the OHS Code. LH003. Retrieved

December 2022, from https://ohs-pubstore.labour.alberta.ca/lh003

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