Construction sites are some of the most dangerous fields to work in, which is why it is essential to train employees on how to work safely. Employee training in construction work minimizes the risk of injury and could also save the lives of construction workers or the people around them. So, where do you start? The general construction induction card or white card is necessary for workers who want to engage in construction work from laborers, surveyors, supervisors, and site managers. Here is why your employees need to get their white card in Canberra, Melbourne, or any other city in Australia where you are conducting your construction activities.
Why Employees Should Go Through This Training
The construction industry is ever-evolving and requires continuous investment and learning, especially for the workers.
1. Increased Productivity
Productivity goes up if everyone knows what they have to do when they have to do it. If the tools and equipment are used efficiently, more work is done in less time. If you are a skilled individual, you will manage your time better and prioritize tasks effectively, thus creating a desirable and efficient working environment.
2. Safety
As this is a top priority in construction, workers must go through the proper training to prepare them for construction work and teach them about the hazards of a construction site. Employees who go through training are more equipped and can easily identify a potential hazard. Knowing how to use safety equipment correctly and how to react in the event of an emergency is critical to avoid extreme casualties. If everyone understands the importance of safety in their jobs, they will likely take it seriously and reduce the risk of injuries and accidents.
3. Keep Up With Change
The construction industry is ever-evolving, and employees must be aware of the trends and advancements that come with it. These training programs help in teaching them about new technologies and how to use the latest equipment safely. Most companies that prioritize training their employees on the latest safety techniques and equipment often come out on top and ahead of their competitors in terms of safety and job performance.
4. Employee Retention
Once you invest in employee training, you attract and retain top talent. In this business especially, it is essential that your employees feel not only acknowledged but also supported. This is seen in the development programs and training offered. Employees are more likely to stick around long-term when they see they are taken care of. This lowers the turnover costs and ensures high-quality employees remain in the organization.
5. Quality
When you invest in the training of your employees, it increases the skills and knowledge of your workers. This goes hand in hand with ensuring the work is accurate, done accordingly, and in a suitable time frame. Having quality goes hand in hand with saving time and money. Another benefit is that there is a low probability of project delays, and is all about customer satisfaction.
What Is Construction Training About?
There are a lot of common training subjects that are related to construction to allow for the best focus and performance. These include fall protection, welding certification, first aid and CPR certification, hand signaling, rigger qualification, and aerial work platform safety certification.
Aside from dealing with the technical, there is another aspect to construction; the personal life. Everyone deals with a lot these days, so training programs like psychological safety, health and wellness, inclusion, equity, diversity, employee burnout, and soft skills training are also very important.
You should have fieldwork and classroom training, as both have pros and cons. Onsite training is more suitable for those who have no experience in the work. It allows them to see what goes on in a construction site and the risk of hazards at the workplace.
Getting a White Card
A white card is proof that you have undergone the necessary safety training to allow you to work at a construction site. It’s mandatory for all site workers, including tradespeople, laborers, surveyors, supervisors, and site managers. They are also recommended for people who access construction zones and workers whose job involves occasionally coming into operational areas. Once you acquire the white card, you should know that it becomes void if you have not worked in construction for more than two years. At this point, you will need to refresh your training.
Conclusion
For the success of any construction company, training is essential to ensure productivity is optimized and workers’ safety is taken seriously. If your employees have the necessary knowledge and skills, it creates an efficient, safe, and productive work environment to retain your pool of talented workers. It is not always about a good salary and a benefits package. Training also helps the staff reach their full potential and deliver quality work.
