Evaluation of Safety Management and Leadership Training Using Mobile Technologies among Logging Supervisors

Abstract

Background: Logging is recognized as one of the most dangerous industries in the United States (US), ranking among those with the highest occupational injury and fatality rates. Although logging operations in the Southeastern US have lower rates of injuries and fatalities compared to other regions of the US, due in part to the use of large machinery to fell timber as opposed to chainsaw felling, safety hazards continue to persist. The hazards present in the logging cut sites in which loggers operate may result in worker injury, illness, or fatality. Our objective was to develop, deliver, and evaluate a safety management and leadership training among logging contractors and supervisors using mobile tablets as a personal learning environment.Methods: A safety leadership and management training vignette was developed based on previously collected focus group needs assessment data. A non-random sample of 31 male logging supervisors received the safety leadership and management training on a mobile tablet. Kirkpatrick Levels 1, 2, and 3 training effectiveness evaluations were performed.Results: A statistically significant large effect size suggests safety knowledge was gained among training participants when comparing post-test scores to pre-test scores (Level-2). Participants rated their training experience favorably (Level-1), and applied knowledge gained from the training throughout their weekly work activities three months after training (Level-3).Conclusion: Our findings suggest the utilization of mobile learning techniques can be an effective means to deliver safety management and leadership training content to logging contractors and supervisors. Future trainings should be linguistically and literacy-level appropriate, as well as comprehensive in nature, including meaningful and relevant content. Our observations support the use of mobile devices as just one component of a more comprehensive health and safety management program for workers in the logging industry.

Effectiveness of safety training interventions for supervisors: A systematic review and narrative synthesis

“…Berumen-Flucker et al 57 reported an increase in the rate of adoption of safety and health management practices and the performance of safety audits by supervisors. Positive changes in terms of quality and quantity of supervisors' toolbox talks post training were discovered, 60,61 which is important because this safety communication method is commonly used in the construction industry.…”

“…Supervisors' reaction to training (level 1) was assessed in four studies. 57,58,60,62 Two studies assessed supervisory safety attitudes (level 2a). 58,60 Majority of the studies assessed supervisory acquisition of knowledge and skills (level 2b).…”

“…58,60 Majority of the studies assessed supervisory acquisition of knowledge and skills (level 2b). [57][58][59][60][61][62] Change in supervisors' behavior (level 3) was assessed in the four studies. 57,58,[60][61][62] Three studies assessed changes in organizational practice (level 4a).…”

“…[57][58][59][60][61][62] Change in supervisors' behavior (level 3) was assessed in the four studies. 57,58,[60][61][62] Three studies assessed changes in organizational practice (level 4a). 58,60,68 Bush et al 58 reported changes in age restrictions for equipment operations and revisions in operational procedures as a result of training.…”

“…Seven studies investigated the effectiveness of interventions ultimately aimed at improving general safety knowledge and supervisory competencies through education. [57][58][59][60][61][62]68…”