FEEDBACK FROM RECENT TRAINING COURSE PARTICIPANTS (MAY 2008)

From the "General Comments" section on the feedback sheets:

Gary covered the key areas with ongoing and regular reference to relevant legislation. He provided useful written material and formats for use in our workplaces, and process information in the management of claims, conducting risk assessments and investigations.
I enjoyed the different training styles – videos, slides, group work; the course content was spread nicely over the five days. Good use was made of the legislation to help clarify the HSR role and management responsibilities. The session leader clearly identified and concentrated on areas identified by the group as important to them, using examples from relevant employment sectors. The first day hazard ID tool was excellent!
I found it useful for work and outside work. I helped me clarify what I can expect from a workplace, from management and myself as a HSR.
The course made me aware of my rights. The OH&S Act was clearly explained and the sessions on manual handling, hazard awareness and communication were very helpful.
All the material presented and discussed was relevant in terms of a full understanding of OH&S, and the application of the Act; I found the list of hazards and the hierarchy of controls extremely helpful.
Gary’s additional educational tools – DVDs, overhead pictures and charts were invaluable. I have consolidated my knowledge of the legislation with Gary’s continually reinforcing the Act and examples. I learnt about PINs, Risk Analysis, Risk Ratings and now, responsibilities towards contractors; managerial documentation was also helpful. The listing of hazards alphabetically was a great tool.
The course facilitator was excellent drawing on a broad range of examples which contextualized the Act, in real life situations. The use of different training methodologies supported my learning and built my knowledge of the Act.
I learnt more than I anticipated; the trainer was excellent in his presentation of the course, and the way he taught it.
The session leader was fantastic at delivering the course. I have learnt about PINs, HSR roles and responsibilities, knowledge of the Act, OH&S meetings, JSAs, etc. I now feel empowered to perform my HSR duties. Thanks Gary.
I feel that the course content met my expectations; I found the course inspired me to take the knowledge back to my workplace and colleagues.

Some feedback from participants* of the Health and Safety Managers’ Initial Level OH&S course

What have you learned from the course?

"I have learned about hazards and how to manage them."
"I now know what it is to be an OH&S rep., and what responsibilities I have and my employer has under the law."
"The importance of structured safety management"
"I have learned how importance OH&S is to myself and fellow employees"
"Deeper and better understanding of OH&S responsibilities of supervisors"
"That there is more to OH&S than just getting paperwork right!"
"How to conduct hazard inspections and risk analysis in a more scientific manner and from a more solid knowledge base."
"How to apply OH&S in the workplace and in our day-to-day living"
"I feel I learned more than I expected…"
"That OH&S is more than just common sense"

What will you differently as a result of this training?

"Be a lot more responsible towards the safety and care of all my workmates, and take my training to the people I work with."
"Be more proactive in my role as a Health and Safety Representative."
"Communicate better with the Designated Work Group I represent."
"Generate and strengthen employees’ involvement."
"I feel confident to approach management and industry to discuss and resolve OH&S issues."
"Try to make people at work more aware of the risks of what they are doing."
"Have more confidence in carrying out assessments"
"I will look out for risks and report these to my employer"

Comment on the presenter’s style?

"Breaking it up into one day per week was terrific"
"The presenter was very good, knowledgeable and communicated at a level easily understood by the group"
"The presenter had a sense of humour, but still got the point across and kept us interested with activities and his practical experience."
"Plenty of time was allowed for discussion and learning from others"
"The presenter’s style was comfortable and non-intimidating, creating an environment which encouraged participation for all."
"I liked how the presenter spoke "with us", not "at us", and shared his experience."
"I really enjoyed the course and looked forward to it each week."
"His approach was relaxed, clear and to the point, and followed a well designed structure."
"It was quite thought provoking..."
"Relaxed, but professional."
"He was extremely helpful in answering any questions we may have had; he was always willing to listen and was forthcoming with suggestions when needed."

* This sample is representative of the several hundred written course evaluations received from managers, supervisors and Health and Safety Representatives who have undertaken the courses since June 2002.