To say the workforce is in the same place as it was even five years ago would be an outlandish statement. The truth is that the workforce is constantly shifting and changing as it becomes younger, as new technology emerges, and as environmental factors impact its future.

Because of this, the presence of EHS within each organization has also changed. Training, equipment, and strategy are mirroring the changes in the workforce, beckoning that they are more efficient, more cost-effective, and create greater change.

In regards to EHS training, one method of administration has gained more traction within the past few years: EHS training software.

This handy guide will tell you everything you need to know about EHS training software to uncover how it might jetpack you into the 21st century.

What is ‘eLearning’?

To first know what EHS training software is, you’ll want to have a firm grasp of the term “eLearning.”

eLearning is a blanket term for any type of learning or training done 100% online. If you’ve ever taken an online training course, you’ve participated in eLearning.

It’s important to learn the ins and outs of eLearning mostly because it’s being viewed as the future of education and training in every industry, particularly in EHS. 

Today, 43% of global Fortune 500 companies are using eLearning to train employees, making it an over 50 billion dollar industry. And for good reason, as companies using eLearning for training their employees have experienced a 50 percent increase in productivity.
  

What is ‘EHS Training Software’?

EHS training software is exactly what it sounds like. EHS training software features a database of safety training courses, content, and resources accessible via an online platform, computer program, or online portal.

The main differentiator between EHS training software and traditional training methods is that it requires access to the internet, or to some sort of training technology hardware that runs the program. While that might sound daunting, the presence of today’s technology in even the most unique workplaces has made it relatively commonplace.

What Are the Different Types of Safety Training Software?

There are a few different types of EHS training software that you’ll find on the market:

Online Safety Training Courses

This method of online EHS training is probably the most widespread. Online safety training video courses are e-learning courses that employees can take on any subject relative to their job duties. Often, these courses are located in one central hub (an LMS, which we’ll explore later) with reporting and record keeping capabilities. 

Notable attributes of online safety training courses are that they’re interactive and updated frequently. Because they’re hosted online, they can be accessed by any device that has WiFi connection capabilities such as a phone or tablet.

Online Safety Training Video Libraries

Online safety training video libraries are a bit different and are often more utilized in instructor-led courses or in conjunction with other training methods.

Think YouTube® or Netflix® but for safety training videos. Using a login and password, a user has access to an online database of safety training videos, often thousands, all in one place. Notable features on online safety training video libraries are that each video often features downloadable materials such as quizzes, handouts, instructor guides, PowerPoints, etc. They are ideal for supplementing instructor-led training versus using DVDs or VHS. A trainer can simply log in, and the corresponding safety video for their lesson is right there.

Learning Management Systems

Learning Management Systems or LMSs are the hosting platforms that make any type of eLearning possible. If online safety training courses or an online safety training video is the training content itself, an LMS is just the robust system that hosts the courses.

If you’ve ever taken an online course, then most likely it’s been hosted within its own learning portal. That learning portal is the LMS.

Notable attributes of an LMS are that they’re typically branded to your organization, require access via a login and password, have a reporting dashboard for both users and admins, have reporting and record keeping features, and can host either company-created training courses made by instructional designers, or can host the safety training course content files, such as SCORM or .MP4 files, from vendors.

How is EHS Training Software Different Than Traditional Training Methods?

EHS training software is simply a way to bring more automation the EHS training process.

If traditional methods such as instructor-led training feature an instructor, a safety training DVD, and a quiz at the end, EHS training software can be either be one, or all, of those elements. Often, making the training process more dynamic, efficient, engaging, and...the big one...effective.

What Does Setting Up EHS Training Software Entail?

Despite common belief, getting set up with EHS training software is relatively easy, and in most cases, pretty cost-effective.

After signing a contract with the EHS training software provider, their development team will begin the set up process, which basically just means inputting your company information into it’s hosting platform, importing users, giving you an introductory demo, etc. The whole process only takes about 24 hours, with little no involvement on your end. 

If you have your own IT team, usually they’ll take care of this for you. Then, all you need to do is set up your specific settings and start getting acquainted with how it works so you can use it in your EHS training program. 

Why Are Safety Professionals Using EHS Training Software?

This is the question of the hour. Why should professional in charge of EHS training use EHS training software versus using the age-old training methods that have worked for years? There are a few reasons, and ultimately it boils down to solving some of the classic frustrations of traditional training:

• EHS training software can replace outdated hardware such as DVDs, VHS, and USB drives.
• EHS training software has record keeping capabilities that aggregate reports based on who’s passed their tests, who’s taken the necessary training, how still needs to take their training, who is assigned what training, and many more reporting functions.
• If an employee is absent on the day of training, they can take an online training course to still be accounted for.
• Employees can take their training in a variety of diverse work settings.
• “Refresher” training or safety shorts can be used to brush up specific topics before diving into the workday.
• It assists in instructor-led training for more in-depth safety training topics.
• Certain EHS training software also provides value-added material such as handouts, toolbox talks, etc.
• It's more engaging in that it can provide a one-on-one experience.
• It can help nurture a positive safety culture through learning retention because it allows the user to learn at their own pace.
• It produces a good ROI.

At the end of the day, EHS training software is the preferred safety training method of the future. VHS and DVDs in any market are obsolete, impractical, and as a safety training method, are stale. As technology allows leaning to become easier, more efficient, and more effective, it will soon begin to have its hands fully involved in every aspect of the workplace, and EHS is no exception.

If you’re ready to chat with a friendly face about what EHS training software can do for you, contact one of our sales reps by simply chatting with us on our site, or by calling our knowledgable training development representatives.