Author: Shyamala Nathan-Turner

First Aid Training Near Me – Be Prepared to Save Lives

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First Aid Training Near Me – Be Prepared to Save Lives

First Aid Training Near Me

Introduction

In a world full of uncertainties, accidents and emergencies can happen at any time. Being equipped with the knowledge and skills to provide first aid can make all the difference in saving a life.

In this article, we will explore the importance of first aid training and how to find the best “first aid training” Whether you’re a concerned parent, a responsible citizen, enhancing your resume or requiring first aid training for your job, this article will guide you through the essentials of first aid training.

The Importance of First Aid Training

What is First Aid?

First aid is the immediate assistance provided to a person suffering from an injury or illness before professional medical help arrives. It involves techniques that can stabilize a person’s condition until they can receive proper medical treatment.  These techniques are simple, yet can be life-saving.

Why is First Aid Training Important?

1. Rapid Response

First aid training enables individuals to react quickly in emergency situations. Seconds count in critical situations, and knowing what to do can prevent a minor issue from becoming a major tragedy.

2. Increased Survival Rates

Statistics show that immediate first aid can significantly improve a person’s chances of survival. Having trained individuals nearby can make a critical difference.

3. Confidence in Crisis

Knowing what to do in an emergency can reduce panic and anxiety, allowing you to provide effective assistance calmly and efficiently.

Finding First Aid Training Near You

1. Local Providers

There are many First Aid providers throughout Canada. Ensure your First Aid training organization is approved by the regulators. In Ontario, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) of Ontario approves First Aid training providers to deliver First Aid programs.

FAST Rescue is recognized by WSIB in Ontario as an approved provider. With comprehensive training and experienced instructors, FAST Rescue is renowned for providing the best training experience in First Aid & CPR/AED.

2. Community Centres

Many community centres and local organizations offer affordable first aid training programs. These can be an excellent option for those on a budget.

3. Online Training

In today’s digital age, you can also find blended first aid courses where the theory portion of the training can be completed online. However, ensure that the course is accredited and recognized by relevant authorities.

4. Hospitals and Medical Institutions

Some hospitals and medical institutions offer first aid courses, often taught by healthcare professionals.

Certification and Renewal

First aid courses offer certification, which is valid for a 3 year period. To be certified, your training must be up-to-date.

Conclusion

First Aid training is a valuable skill that everyone can and should learn. It empowers individuals to act confidently and effectively during emergencies, potentially saving lives. Whether you’re a parent, a teacher, a concerned citizen, or a worker, knowing where to find “first aid training” is the first step towards making your community safer.

First Aid Training Near Me (FAQs)

1. Is first aid training only for medical professionals?

No, first aid training is for everyone. It’s essential for anyone who wants to be prepared to help in emergencies.

2. How long does a typical first aid training course take?

The duration of the course varies depending on the first aid training you complete. Workplace First Aid training requires 2 full days in-class or 1 day online for theory and 1 day in-class.

3. Is online first aid training as effective as in-person training?

Fully online First Aid training is not approved. Blended First Aid courses are effective, providing a blend of online training with practical in-class training.

4. Can children also learn first aid?

Yes, there are age-appropriate first aid courses designed for children, providing them with valuable skills.

5. How often should I renew my first aid certification?

Certifications are valid for three years. You must renew your certification before the expiration date to be certified.

Contact us for classroom, onsite, or blended First Aid Training, JHSC Certification Training or Working at Heights Training in Ontario.

Safety at Home: Part Two PPE, Practical Training & Wellness

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Safety at Home: Part Two PPE, Practical Training & Wellness

Safety-at-Home-Part-Two-PPE,-Practical-Training-&-Wellness

How often do you check the batteries in your fire alarm? Do you use protective gloves while cleaning with harsh chemicals? What about a mask when you decide to paint or stain around the house? How about proper footwear when cutting the grass? Do you have a first aid kit? When was the last time you refilled your first aid kit at home? What about a fire extinguisher

Perform the action items below to encourage personal protective equipment (PPE), effective emergency response, and wellness when at home.

PPE

  • Use closed-toe shoes when mowing the lawn, conducting car maintenance, moving items in and around the house, or when lifting heavy objects.
  • Consider wearing a safety mask, gloves, and/or glasses for do-it-yourself projects around the house involving painting, staining, machinery, tools, etc.
  • Check product labels in your house to determine what PPE is needed.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE

  • Know who to call when an emergency occurs at home. Have an evacuation plan in place for any type of emergency. Practice fire drills or roleplay to become more comfortable if an emergency were ever to occur.
  • Consider getting First Aid certified or having someone in your household certified.
  • Think about your personal security – get to know your neighbours, lock your doors, and consider installing a camera, and automatic lights.

WELLNESS

  • Eat nutritious foods, exercise regularly, and sleep well.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Use any wellness resources provided by your workplace, such as an Employee Assistance Plan (EAP), or talk to your health care professional.

Sometimes safety at home can feel overwhelming and time-consuming. However, if you make safety a priority as you perform daily activities at home it will soon become second nature.

Looking for an expert Health and Safety Consultant? Let us help you reduce the risk of accidents by providing a complete solution. Contact us now!

Safety at Home: Part One Housekeeping, Shelving & Storage, and Slips, Trips, & Falls

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Safety at Home: Part One Housekeeping, Shelving & Storage, and Slips, Trips, & Falls

Safety at home canada

For some, your home is your workplace, and for others, it’s a place where you live with your family, roommates, or even alone. Either way, safety never stops! Although you may clock out when you finish work for the day, this doesn’t mean that safety practices are also done. Safety at home is just as important as safety while on the job.

When you prioritize safety, even when you’re not working, you can help develop a better safety attitude. This can prevent injuries from occurring while at home that may impact your ability to not only perform your job but to also do the activities that you love!

Just like in the workplace, when you maintain good safety practices at home, it creates a sense of comfort, security, and pride in your space. Use the action items below:

HOUSEKEEPING

  • Ensure all chemicals are properly stored and labeled, as well as out of reach from any children and/or pets. Make sure to consider items like cleaning supplies,
    aerosol cans, paints, car supplies, medicine, etc.
  • Use a schedule for household chores so they don’t pile up. Letting chores pile up can be overwhelming and sometimes even lead to more work. Instead, stick to a routine that will allow you to tackle a bit of cleaning each day. Break chores out into daily (i.e., making your bed, doing dishes), weekly (i.e., vacuuming, cleaning the bathroom), and monthly/quarterly (i.e. deep cleaning items like wiping baseboards or clearing drains, changing your furnace filter).

Housekeeping

SHELVING AND STORAGE

  • Follow proper instructions when installing shelving. Make sure the shelving unit can withstand the weight of the item(s) you wish to put on it. If you are unsure, ask for help!
  • Use proper containers when storing items and label them accordingly. Stack fragile items last. Annually inspect for any water damage, pests, or broken items.

Shelving And Storage

SLIPS, TRIPS, AND FALLS

  • Maintain clean and dry floors. Clean spills up immediately. Ensure rugs aren’t rolling up at the ends.
  • Have cords tucked away. Don’t leave items in front of doorways or at the top of stairs.
  • Have adequate lighting with switches easily accessible and at the top and bottom of stairs. Install handrails where needed and be mindful of your movements.

Slips Trips And Falls

This is not to say that you must maintain a meticulous home at all times. We’re all human, messes are inevitable, and some things are out of your control. Instead, consider incorporating proper safety habits into your day-to-day activities to enhance your life by decreasing the likelihood of hurting yourself and feeling safer while at home.

Looking for an expert Health and Safety Consultant? Let us help you reduce the risk of accidents by providing a complete solution. Contact us now!

Learning Management Systems for Employee Training: Boosting Workplace Skills and Productivity

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Learning Management Systems for Employee Training: Boosting Workplace Skills and Productivity

Learning Management Systems for Employee Training Boosting Workplace Skills and Productivity

Introduction: The Importance of Employee Training

In today’s fast-paced business environment, employee training has become paramount to ensure organizational success and maintain a competitive edge. Learning Management Systems (LMS) have emerged as a game-changer, revolutionizing the way companies deliver training programs to their workforce.

Take the leap towards transforming your employee training and maximizing productivity. Contact us now to discover how Learning Management Systems can revolutionize your workforce. Don’t wait, reach out today at esystems@fast-rescue.com and let’s begin this journey together!

This article delves into the world of Learning Management Systems for employee training, providing valuable insights and practical tips for maximizing the benefits of this technology-driven approach.

Learning Management Systems for Employee Training: An Overview

Learning Management Systems, commonly referred to as LMS, are software applications that facilitate the administration, delivery, and tracking of training programs within organizations. They provide a centralized platform where employees can access learning materials, participate in courses, and monitor their progress.

LMS platforms offer a wide range of features, including content management, assessments, certifications, and reporting, making them indispensable tools for modern employee training initiatives.

Benefits of Learning Management Systems for Employee Training

Benefits of Learning Management Systems for Employee Training

Implementing Learning Management Systems for employee training offers numerous advantages for both employers and employees. Let’s explore some of the key benefits:

1. Enhanced Accessibility and Convenience

With an LMS, employees have the flexibility to access training materials at their convenience, eliminating the need for rigid schedules and physical presence. They can learn at their own pace, from any location, using various devices such as computers, tablets, or smartphones. This accessibility ensures that employees can engage in training activities without disrupting their workflow, promoting a seamless learning experience.

2. Personalized Learning Paths

LMS platforms allow organizations to tailor training programs to individual employee needs. By conducting assessments and analyzing performance data, personalized learning paths can be created, ensuring that employees receive targeted training relevant to their roles and skill levels. This personalized approach enhances engagement and knowledge retention, ultimately boosting productivity.

3. Centralized Training Management

Gone are the days of managing training materials in scattered files and folders. Learning Management Systems provide a centralized repository for organizing and delivering training content. Companies can effortlessly upload, update, and distribute learning materials, ensuring consistency and uniformity across the organization. This centralized approach simplifies the administration of training programs and enables easy tracking of employee progress and compliance.

4. Interactive and Engaging Learning Experiences

Learning Management Systems incorporate various multimedia elements such as videos, interactive quizzes, and simulations to make training engaging and interactive. These features help create a dynamic learning environment, keeping employees motivated and actively involved in the learning process. By fostering a sense of enjoyment and interactivity, LMS platforms enhance knowledge retention and application.

5. Real-time Progress Tracking

One of the significant advantages of Learning Management Systems is the ability to track and monitor employee progress in real-time. Organizations can generate comprehensive reports and analytics to gain insights into individual and overall training performance. This data-driven approach enables management to identify skill gaps, evaluate the effectiveness of training programs, and make informed decisions to optimize employee development.

Unlock the true potential of your workforce with our cutting-edge Learning Management Systems. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to boost employee skills and productivity. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards transforming your training programs. Implementation is quick and easy, ensuring the immediate effectiveness of your company’s training program.

Implementing a Learning Management System: Best Practices

Implementing a Learning Management System Best Practices

To ensure a successful implementation of a Learning Management System for employee training, consider the following best practices:

1. Set Clear Objectives

Before selecting an LMS, define your organization’s training objectives and align them with your overall business goals. Clearly articulate the skills and knowledge you want your employees to acquire through your training programs. This clarity will help you choose an LMS that aligns with your specific needs and maximizes the return on investment.

2. Choose the Right LMS

With numerous LMS options available in the market, it’s crucial to select a system that suits your organization’s requirements. Consider factors such as user-friendliness, scalability, customization options, integration capabilities, and customer support. Evaluate multiple vendors, request demos, and involve key stakeholders in the decision-making process to ensure a well-informed choice.

3. Design Engaging Content

To maximize employee engagement, develop interactive and visually appealing training content. Leverage multimedia elements, such as videos, infographics, and interactive modules, to create an immersive learning experience. Additionally, ensure that the content is concise, relevant, and aligns with adult learning principles. Well-designed content will foster higher knowledge retention and application.

4. Promote Employee Participation

Encourage active participation from employees by incorporating collaborative and social learning elements in your training programs. Features like discussion forums, virtual classrooms, and peer-to-peer learning opportunities can enhance knowledge sharing and foster a sense of community. Actively involve employees in the learning process, providing them with opportunities to contribute and share their insights.

5. Provide Ongoing Support

During and after the implementation of the LMS, ensure that employees have access to continuous support and assistance. Offer training sessions or tutorials to familiarize them with the LMS features and functionalities. Provide a dedicated helpdesk or support team to address any technical issues or queries promptly. Ongoing support will help employees feel comfortable using the LMS and maximize their learning experience.

Ready to revolutionize your employee training and boost productivity? Contact us today to explore how Learning Management Systems can transform your workforce. Let’s take your organization to new heights together!

Conclusion: Embrace the Power of Learning Management Systems for Employee Training

In today’s dynamic business landscape, Learning Management Systems have become indispensable tools for organizations seeking to enhance employee skills and productivity. By providing accessibility, personalization, centralized management, engagement, and real-time tracking, LMS platforms offer a comprehensive solution for effective employee training.

Implementing a Learning Management System requires careful planning, including setting clear objectives, selecting the right system, designing engaging content, promoting participation, and providing ongoing support. By following best practices and leveraging the features of an LMS, companies can create a culture of continuous learning and development, empowering their workforce to thrive in a competitive environment.

Ready to upgrade your employee training with the latest technology and techniques? Contact us today to learn how Learning Management Systems can take your workforce to the next level. Let us help you drive growth and success for your organization. Get in touch with us now at esystems@fast-rescue.com or call us at 866-706-7283 Ext 2!

FAQs about Learning Management Systems for Employee Training

FAQs about Learning Management Systems for Employee Training

What is a Learning Management System (LMS)?

A Learning Management System, or LMS, is a software application that enables organizations to deliver, manage, and track training programs for their employees. It provides a centralized platform where employees can access learning materials, participate in courses, and monitor their progress.

How can Learning Management Systems benefit employee training?

Learning Management Systems offer enhanced accessibility, personalized learning paths, centralized training management, interactive learning experiences, and real-time progress tracking. These benefits improve employee engagement, knowledge retention, and ultimately, boost productivity.

Can an LMS support different types of training content?

Yes, an LMS can accommodate various types of training content, including documents, presentations, videos, eLearning modules, quizzes, and assessments. It provides a flexible platform for organizing, delivering, and tracking different types of training materials.

Are Learning Management Systems suitable for small businesses?

Yes, Learning Management Systems can be beneficial for businesses of all sizes. They provide cost-effective and scalable solutions for delivering training programs, regardless of the company’s size or industry. Small businesses can leverage LMS platforms to streamline their training processes and promote employee development.

How can an organization measure the effectiveness of a training program through their LMS?

Learning Management Systems provide comprehensive reporting and analytics features to measure the effectiveness of training programs. Organizations can track learner progress, completion rates, assessment scores, and other relevant metrics. These insights help evaluate the impact of training initiatives and identify areas for improvement.

Emergency Response

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Emergency Response

emergency response

Emergency response is how you react to an unexpected and dangerous circumstance. This may include severe weather conditions, major power failures, medical emergencies, earthquakes, hazardous material spills, and/or fires/explosions.

emergency response safety

How you respond to an emergency may vary depending on the situation, however, having a program in place will prepare you to handle these scenarios proactively

An emergency response program (also referred to as an emergency preparedness or action/evacuation plan) prepares you for how to handle major emergencies that may occur in the workplace.

WHAT DOES THIS INCLUDE?

Documentation that outlines:

  • Potential emergency situations which consider where you live geographically, the types of materials/chemicals handled in your workplace, and previous incidents in the workplace.
  • Procedures to follow in case of emergency situations.
  • Floor plans, evacuation routes, building entrances/exit signs, where to locate emergency equipment, emergency contacts, etc.
  • Roles and responsibilities in the workplace during an emergency.

The company will conduct an annual review of your emergency response program to reflect any changes or updates required. If you have feedback, don’t forget to share it with your manager/supervisor.

Be aware of your workplace’s floor plan(s), fire exit(s), emergency equipment, evacuation routes, meet-up locations/muster points, and different emergency response situations such as what emergencies require an evacuation (i.e., fire) versus shelter-in-place (i.e., tornado), as well as complete any necessary training required for your workplace. If you’re unsure about something or don’t know, ask a manager/supervisor!

Your manager/supervisor will communicate and train you on emergency response procedures through drills, mock scenarios, Systems 24-7 Safety Talks, signage/posters of floor plans, exits, evacuation plans, first aid attendants, etc. Make sure you participate!

The company will provide emergency equipment such as first aid/spill kits, fire extinguishers, eye wash stations, emergency pull stations, automatic external defibrillators (AED), etc. If you notice something is missing or needs to be restocked – report it!

ALTHOUGH YOU CAN NEVER PREDICT WHEN AN UNFORESEEN EMERGENCY WILL OCCUR, YOU CAN HOWEVER PREPARE YOURSELF.

About F.A.S.T. Rescue

F.A.S.T. Rescue are health and safety experts offering consulting, supplies and training solutions that help make employees safe in the workplace.  We’re passionate about health and safety, offering unrivalled value and solutions with a satisfaction guarantee.  Headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

For more information, contact:

Shyamala Nathan-Turner
F.A.S.T. Rescue
Tel: 866-706-7283
Email: info@fast-rescue.com
Visit https://fast-rescue.com

Violence, Harassment and Bullying In The Workplace

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Violence, Harassment and Bullying In The Workplace

Violence, Harassment and Bullying in the Workplace

We all deserve to work in an environment that is free from harassment, violence and bullying. If you see or experience any of these, there are a number of steps to take towards resolution.

Recognize

Types of Violence, Harassment and Bullying include: Physical, psychological, verbal, domestic, digital, sexual, etc.

These forms of Workplace Violence, Harassment and Bullying can be seen through:

  • Physical violence, assault, aggression, damaging objects, throwing, etc.
  • Threats of violence, in person, over the phone, via email, text, etc.
  • Verbal abuse, name calling, tone of voice used, etc.
  • Social media bullying, trolling, etc.
  • Sexual comments, unwanted physical contact, being shown images sexual in nature, etc.
  • Domestic violence spilling into the workplace
  • Stalking

Report

Speak Up! Report immediately to:

A Supervisor/Manager, H&S Rep/Committee Member, Senior Management or anyone you trust.

Investigation

All reports of violence, harassment and bullying must be investigated and corrective measures taken in accordance with all policies and procedures. It is your responsibility to report incidents you are involved in or witness to, and to co-operate with the investigators during the investigation process.

If you are looking for onsite first aid training, JHSC certification training or working at heights training in Ontario contact us.

How can I convert my text-based training material to eLearning?

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How can I convert my text-based training material to eLearning?

convert text-based training material to eLearning

Trying to convert your existing text-based training material to eLearning? In this blog, we will outline the need for eLearning and how you can transform your text-based training material into interactive and engaging eLearning modules.

Text-based training material

Training in organizations used to be primarily in the form of instructor-led classroom training. The corresponding training material was text-based, in the form of manuals, PPTs, word documents or PDF files. Many if not most, organizations around the world have text-based training materials in their content library.

Animation, graphical representations, and videos have made us re-think the way we train. If your organization is struggling with legacy text-based content, consider enhancing it by converting it to eLearning.

There are many reasons to convert your text-based material to eLearning modules:

  1. eLearning is more suitable to the needs of today’s learners because it can be very interactive, engaging, retentive and flexible.
  2. The graphical representations, scenarios, case studies, gamification, and simulations and other elements engages and retains the learner’s attention.
  3. All learners get the same information. The content is not dependant on the instructor’s knowledge or delivery.
  4. The learners can refer to the training whenever they feel they need a clarification or a refresher.

F.A.S.T. Rescue has been developing effective eLearning courses for its clients across the country. We create the best learning experiences while combining the best of instructional design and visual design strategies to create effective corporate learning solutions.

For more details, contact us: https://fast-rescue.com/contact/

How can I convert my text-based training content to eLearning?

Fortunately, you can convert almost any text-based material into eLearning, including PowerPoint presentations, manuals, guides, and process documents.

This conversion doesn’t mean that you simply copy your existing content into some standard course templates. To get the best results, you need to follow a six-step process. Let’s look at each of these steps.

Step #1: Gather all relevant material

Once you start gathering the material, you will find a lot of content for your topic. Review the material you have gathered, and discard repetitive, irrelevant, outdated, and unnecessary documents. If you don’t find relevant material, you may need to create your own new content.

Step #2: Define the learning objectives and plan your content accordingly

Once all the relevant material is gathered, you can start the conversion process right away. Before you start however, plan out your learning objectives. This is one of the most important first steps.

Review your previous learning objectives. They may need to be updated based on any changes you have made to your content.

Step #3: Table of contents

Along with the changing times, learning has also changed. Long text on a screen with lengthy audio is not effective for today’s learners. Today’s students learn best by receiving short, crisp snippets of information in interactive courses.

To avoid lengthy topics, split up your topics in the table of contents (ToC). This will make each topic easily digestible and will certainly improve the learner’s experience.

Step #4: Review the content

Review the existing content and make sure it is relevant to the topics you have decided on. Check the content carefully to identify outdated, inaccurate information. Ensure that the content is not repeated and that it isn’t replicated in other eLearning courses you have already developed.

Fill in the content gaps wherever required. Use subject matter experts (SMEs) for this task if they are available. Additional content that may be useful can be added to a supplementary information section.

Step #5: Plan the content presentation by storyboarding

Once the content is finalized, assign an instructional designer (ID) to take over. The ID plans the overall content presentation approach and creates a storyboard representing this approach throughout.

The ID will:

  • Break the content into smaller and more easily digestible chunks of information (for example into several PPT slides)
  • Provide guidelines to the graphic designers on the presentation of the content
  • Suggest the relevant media elements such as images, icons, vector graphics, animation and videos that best represent the content.
  • Suggest ideas to make the content interactive – such as gamification, scenarios, simulations, and quiz questions.
  • Plan formative assessments at the end of each topic
  • Plan the summative assessment at the end of the course to assess the overall learning

Step #6: Now, it’s time for content development

The finalized storyboard is passed on to the development team to digitize the content.

The eLearning development team performs the following tasks:

  • Choosing an appropriate rapid authoring tool to best design the content (for example: Articulate Storyline, Adobe Captivate, Lectora, Elucidat, etc.)
  • Understanding the content explained in the storyboard and developing slides for the course.
  • Using media elements to effectively present the content.
  • Implementing interactivity as suggested by the ID in the storyboard.
  • Using characters for scenarios or case studies or for avatars either from the authoring tool or from designing them graphically.
  • Creating a SCORM version of the course.
  • Launching the course into a learning management system (LMS).

The importance of effective rapid eLearning solutions has risen dramatically over the past few years. F.A.S.T. Rescue offers its rapid eLearning solutions for its diverse client base. Click here to learn more about our rapid eLearning solutions: https://fast-rescue.com/rapid-elearning-solutions/

Conclusion:

Undoubtedly, eLearning provides various benefits over other training methods. Today’s students are attracted to the flexibility, engaging content, and interactive approach of these courses. Furthermore, there is greater retention due to the consistency of the delivery and the ability to re-take the course as needed.

F.A.S.T. Rescue has many eLearning courses to offer. Visit this page to view our course list:
https://fast-rescue.com/online-course-list/

To learn more about F.A.S.T. Rescue’s custom eLearning solutions, check the link below:
https://fast-rescue.com/custom-elearning-solutions/

To book a free consultation, click here(https://fast-rescue.com/contact/).

FAQs – Training Material to eLearning

1. We have many PowerPoint presentations which we prepared previously for classroom training. Can we use them to create online courses?

Yes. Your legacy content in the form of PPTs can certainly be converted into online courses. For more details about PowerPoint to eLearning conversion, click here: https://fast-rescue.com/convert-powerpoint-to-elearning/

2. When the text-based material is converted into an eLearning course, can it be accessed through mobile devices?

Yes. Every eLearning authoring tool allows the course to be viewed through mobile devices. The responsive feature allows the course to become compatible to any screen size.

3. What is Rapid eLearning Development?

Rapid eLearning development is primarily a faster way of designing and developing online learning courses. With the advent of rapid authoring tools, rapid eLearning development has changed the face of eLearning. Instead of spending many weeks or months to develop one course, we can develop the course in a week or sometimes, even a few days.

 

Slips, Trips, and Falls in the Workplace

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Slips, Trips, and Falls in the Workplace

Slips, Trips, and Falls in the Workplace

Slips, trips, and falls are one of the most common reasons for experiencing an injury at work. These injuries can include sprains, fractures, lacerations, internal bleeding, concussions, and even fatalities. Therefore, it is critical that these types of hazards are acknowledged and prevented within the workplace.

  • Slips…occur in locations where there is not enough traction or grip between the footwear and the surface being walked on.
  • Trips…happen when the foot collides or strikes with an object which causes someone to lose their balance.
  • Falls…take place either from the same level or elevated. Elevated falls are more severe, whereas same-level falls happen more frequently and are generally caused by slips or trips.

There are a variety of situations within the workplace that can cause slips, trips, and falls, which may include the following:

  • Wet, greasy, or freshly polished floors
  • Loose electrical cords or cables
  • Damaged, irregular, or uneven flooring and steps
  • Inadequate or poor lighting
  • Open desk or file cabinet drawers
  • Weather conditions such as ice, rain, frost, or snow

How can employees prevent slips, trips, and falls in the workplace?

  • Execute proper housekeeping duties
  • Contain and clean up spills immediately
  • Participate in health and safety initiatives
  • Be observant of walkways, hallways, and other areas within the workplace that may become cluttered or impacted

As a manager and/or employer, it is a part of your roles and responsibilities to create a safer working environment for you and your employees. Use the following guidelines to avoid work injuries due to slips, trips, or falls:

  1. Provide proper training to employees
  2. Have a company policy in place outlining the rules for housekeeping
  3. Implement and maintain proper lighting
  4. Reduce wet or slippery surfaces
  5. Ensure employees are wearing proper footwear

Looking for an expert Health and Safety Consultant? Let us help you reduce the risk of accidents by providing a complete solution. Contact us now!

slips-trips-and-falls-in-the-workplace

Hire An eLearning Course Developer / eLearning Specialist

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Hire An eLearning Course Developer / eLearning Specialist

eLearning Course Developer eLearning Specialist

Hire An eLearning Course Developer / eLearning Specialist

eLearning Course developers are very much in demand in the eLearning industry. This article discusses the role of course developers in the eLearning environment, the best methods of developing courses, and what to be aware of when hiring a developer.

Course developers are integral to eLearning content development. In this blog, we will discuss the role they play in eLearning development along with some tips on hiring expert eLearning developers.

The role of the eLearning Course Developer

An eLearning developer designs the online content based on the storyboard created for a training course. eLearning developers have in-depth expertise in using eLearning authoring tools such as Articulate Storyline, Adobe Captivate, Elucidat, iSpring and Lectora.

During online content creation, an instructional designer initially analyzes the raw content, creates the course structure, and plans how the course should be developed. The eLearning developer, on the other hand, brings the course to life by adding the required design elements to it.

eLearning developers play a key role in developing and deploying the course. As part of eLearning development, they create a user interface for the course, add media elements and finalize the overall visual design.

How do eLearning Developers improve course content?

1. Converting existing training material

In the past, online training programs were not used as widely as they are today. Instructor-led training programs were the norm. Many organizations are now converting the legacy course content from these instructor-led training programs into engaging and interactive eLearning training programs.

Here is where good eLearning developers are important. They convert the legacy content into effective eLearning courses using eye-catching graphics, interactive methods, gamification, and simulations. These features enrich the content leading to greater retention of the course content.

Converting the existing training material into engaging eLearning content has a wide scope. This method includes the conversion of PowerPoint or PDF files, presentations, instructional manuals, participant guides and marketing brochures. Good eLearning developers effectively use rapid authoring tools to make the conversion quick and smooth.

Rapid eLearning solutions have become commonplace. F.A.S.T. Rescue offers its rapid eLearning solutions for our diverse client base. Learn more about our rapid eLearning solutions.

2. Developing new eLearning materials

This is the method most organizations prefer to use. When you develop a custom training course from scratch, you can assess the course to ensure it meets your current standards and requirements.

eLearning companies can assist you with this process by analyzing the content, creating a design plan, using subject matter experts (SMEs) to review the content, and developing an instructional design (ID) strategy. Based on the approved ID strategy, they will finalize the course objectives and create a storyboard for the course.

Once the storyboard is approved, eLearning developers design the content, develop the online learning program, and integrate the final course into your learning management system (LMS).

Your existing eLearning courses can be customized according to your training needs. For more details visit our customized eLearning solutions page.

Hiring an expert eLearning developer

Whether you decide to convert your existing content into eLearning or to create a brand-new eLearning course, eLearning developers play a vital role. Hiring the right eLearning developer can determine the success of your training program. To hire the best eLearning developer, follow these guidelines:

  • When building custom eLearning content, make sure your course developer has hands-on experience in multiple authoring tools. They should have expertise in common authoring tools such as Articulate Storyline 360, Studio, Adobe Captivate, Creative Suite, and Lectora.
  • Assess if you want this developer to develop a single course or if you want them to be managing several courses.
  • If you want your developer to manage the project independently, ensure that you select a developer with expertise in adult learning.
  • Ensure that the developer is experienced in graphic design, animation, and video editing.
  • Give the developer a sample job before you hire them for your project. Many organizations ignore this step, relying solely on the interview. Ignoring this step will make the difference between the success or failure of your project.
  • Assess the expertise level you need based on the complexity of your course.

Here is the list of the experience and responsibilities you will need in an eLearning developer for a complex course:

  • Experience:
    • More than 4 years of eLearning development experience
    • Experience in the independent development of individual modules
    • Experience of using at least one authoring tool
  • Responsibilities:
    • To create eLearning modules from storyboard content
    • To create content using engaging interactivity and knowledge assessments
    • To publish modules for different LMS platforms
    • To work with the development team to ensure quality control
    • To work on media assets and imagery from source content to improve the quality
    • To have an overall understanding of the course curriculum
    • To use client’s templates, tools, and methodologies

Conclusion

In this blog, we have reviewed the role of eLearning developers, the methods they use for developing the course content, and the best practices for hiring a competent developer. For more details, please contact us.

F.A.S.T. Rescue has been developing effective eLearning courses for our diverse clients across the country. We create the best learning experiences while combining the best of instructional design and visual design strategies to create effective corporate learning solutions.

Related FAQs

1. What are the popular authoring tools for converting PPT files to eLearning?

Many authoring tools are able to easily convert PPT files to eLearning. Some of these authoring tools include:

  • Articulate Storyline
  • Adobe Captivate
  • Lectora Inspire

Your legacy content in the form of PPTs can be easily converted into online courses. For more details  visit our page PowerPoint to eLearning conversion:

2. Why is custom eLearning the best option for your organization?

For generic training, off-the-shelf content is a good option. When training is required to develop specific skills and competencies, customizing your eLearning content is the most efficient way to train your staff. Custom eLearning enables your content to be updated at frequent intervals making your training flexible and dynamic.

3. How is legacy content conversion achieved?

Legacy content conversion happens in several ways, which are listed below:

  • If the source files are not available, screen recordings may be the best option.
  • If the course needs to be republished without modification, ensure that it adapts to all devices and browsers.
  • Assess if the slides should be redesigned.
  • Assess if the course must be recreated from scratch. If this is the case, instructional design must also be involved to build the course.

What Are Psychological Hazards In The Workplace?

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What Are Psychological Hazards In The Workplace?

What Are Psychological Hazards In The Workplace

Psychological health and safety deals with the risk of injury to one’s psychological well-being; or in other words, having mental and/or emotional rather than physical cause of harm.

A psychological hazard, or sometimes known as a work stressor, refers to the characteristics of work, such as the work environment or work practices, that have the potential to cause injury.

Examples of psychological hazards in the workplace could include:

  • Stress due to poor workplace relationships, isolated work, high job demands, work-life balance, inadequate manager/supervisor support, etc.
  • Bullying from management, colleagues, peers, and/or clients.
  • Fatigue due to working long hours, overtime, physical/mental overexertion, etc.
  • Violence including threats or aggression.

psychological hazards image

Why Is Psychological Health & Safety Important In The Workplace?

Valuing the psychological health and safety of employees enhances employee engagement. When employees feel safe at work, it’s easier for them to participate in team meetings, projects, collaborations, problem solving, and engaging with clients, customers, and peers.

When not managed appropriately, they can negatively impact an employee’s job satisfaction, commitment to the company, or motivation. Which can then affect the organization through turnover, absenteeism, and productivity levels.

How To Manage Psychological Hazards In The Workplace?

Improving psychological safety in a work setting involves taking precautions to avert injury or danger to employee psychological health that is within the influence and responsibility of an employer.

As an employee, use the following to manage psychological hazards:

  • Participate in psychological health and safety initiatives, including anonymous surveys, workshops, training, or feedback
  • Report any psychological hazards present in the workplace to your supervisor/manager
  • Engage respectfully with clients, colleagues, supervisors, management, and/or owners

Looking for an expert Health and Safety Consultant? Let us help you reduce the risk of accidents by providing a complete solution. Contact us now!