Scholarly record

TRAINING IN THE FIELD OF OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY IN THE ASSESSMENT OF WORKERS ON THE EXAMPLE OF COAL MINE

Anna Gembalska-Kwiecień

Abstract

The basis for safety management is the assumption that safe conditions as well as safe behaviour at work do not arise spontaneously, but must be worked out according to a pre-approved program. It is known that preventive actions have a much greater importance and sense than the removing of a damage resulting from accidents. Therefore, it is necessary to take measures aimed at improving the working conditions, equipment and conduct of employees hired in the mine. The presented article is an attempt at a practical approach to the subject of OHS training. The paper presents empirical studies illustrating the employees' assessment of occupational health and safety training conducted in the mine. The assessment of the trainings conducted in the mine was made on the basis of a questionnaire and direct interviews. In the conducted research, employees commented on various aspects of the training. The survey consisted of 20 closed questions. Of the several answers listed for each question, the employees were to indicate one, the most appropriate answer to them. Questions related to such problems as: the need for periodic health and safety training, the impact of training on improving safety, employees' opinions on the trainings themselves. They also discussed the issues covered during the training and elements of effective health and safety training in the employees' assessment. Employees were able to comment on the reasons for not using the knowledge gained during the training and problems of the most interesting employees during OHS training. After analysing the research results, a number of practical recommendations and conclusions were drawn. Attention was paid to what the employees themselves expect. The benefits of training are also presented. It was shown that the training carries a signal for employees that the mine cares for them and takes their development and security needs seriously. This has a big impact on shaping the motivation of employees for safe work, which in turn could cause a genuine improvement of working conditions. On the basis of empirical research, it was also found that the benefits of training for the mine are not limited only to enriching the knowledge and skills of employees. Trained employees can more easily meet the requirements related to a given job, it is a very important benefit of training ? employees know what, when and how to do, which translates into improved efficiency. The training leads to increased efficiency in the performance of tasks, and this reduces the need to control subordinates from the management. Training can have an impact on reducing employee fluctuations, as it can help prevent departures, which will reduce the costs of dismissals and recruitment, by facilitating work and preparing for new duties. The training should make the employee realizes that it depends on them whether the work is safe or not.

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