Short on time? Try a mini-training session.
The transportation industry has always been a time-sensitive industry and now, even more than ever, the old saying that “time is money” holds true.
Though driver training is an important component in maintaining a safe fleet, it can get pushed aside due to other business priorities.
One way to continue educating and informing your drivers on important issues and topics is by conducting training in small doses — mini-training sessions.
These sessions, similar to toolbox talks in the construction industry, take about five to fifteen minutes to complete. They can be done in person at the start of your drivers’ workday or remotely via a recorded presentation that can be accessed by the driver when convenient.
The sessions can cover either a brief topic or issue or a portion of a topic. For example, an aspect of the hours-of-service rule, such as the definition of on-duty time or how the 14-hour duty rule works, could be covered during one of these sessions.
Other topics that work well in a mini-training session format include:
- Hazard perception,
- Night driving,
- Safety belt use,
- Work zone safety,
- Lifting techniques, and
- Severe weather safety.
When preparing your mini-training session, consider using a couple different techniques to help convey your message. Use of multiple methods during the same training session reinforces your message.
Some examples of techniques that can be used in this time-sensitive training format include:
- Handouts covering the session’s main points,
- Question and answer sessions,
- Demonstration,
- Discussion, Video clips, and
- Drills or exercises that include class participation.
When conducting your session, make sure you:
- Speak clearly,
- Know you audience,
- Are enthusiastic about the material, and
- Start and end your session on time.
Key to remember: Mini training sessions are an effective way to keep your safety message in front of your drivers.