Put It in Writing: How To Properly Record Safety Trainings

OSHA requires employees to be trained on how to use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and how to avoid certain hazards in the workplace – but you also need to be able to prove those trainings happened. Without keeping appropriate training records, your facility can still be hit with fines in the case of an injury or fatality. OSHA-certified instructor and Martin Safety Professional Malcolm Ritchie, QSSP, HMTRI, says companies will often keep fewer records than they should.

Everything. In most cases, OSHA investigators would like you to write down as much information as possible when recording your trainings.

“You know the old saying, ‘if it’s not in writing, then it didn’t happen,’” Ritchie says. “That’s OSHA’s adage.”

Ritchie also says that there are a few specific things that should absolutely be included when recording your employees’ trainings:

What Should You Document?

• The date of the training.
• The name of your company.
• The name of the trainer.
• The topic that is covered in the training.
• A short paragraph describing the training.
• The printed names and signatures of all employees who attended.

What Happens If Trainings Aren’t Properly Recorded?

If all the listed information isn’t available, Ritchie says that companies could be held liable in the case of an on-site injury or fatality. This applies in both civil lawsuits and OSHA investigations.

“An attorney in a civil lawsuit is going to bring that up,” Ritchie says. “Especially if there is a fatality, OSHA is coming, most likely, and that’s the first thing they’re going to dig into. Where are the records of that employee’s company safety training?” If those safety records are not found, or if they do not meet their standards, the company could be issued fines and citations.

Staying Safe with Martin

Martin Supply has safety professionals available to help your company operate safely and effectively. Our Team has a wide variety of solutions to fit your needs.

To learn more, contact your Martin Sales Rep or call 800.828.8116.