Episode 186: Training for All

In this episode of the Leading and Learning Through Safety podcast, Dr. Mark French revisits the foundational topic of adult learning in the workplace, particularly in the context of safety training. He reflects on his own journey from nervous novice to experienced trainer, emphasizing how repetitive safety topics must still be delivered meaningfully to engage a diverse audience. Mark discusses the challenge of delivering impactful safety training to a mixed group—ranging from janitorial staff to office workers—with only a short window of time and broad regulatory requirements to meet.

He highlights the limitations of one-size-fits-all PowerPoints, stressing the importance of real-world examples, storytelling, and facility-specific visuals to enhance relevance and engagement. Despite the appeal of digital training for its accessibility and entertainment value, Mark underscores its impersonality and advocates for interactive approaches tailored to functional roles.

A core theme is encouraging employees to “ask” when something doesn’t seem right. He emphasizes fostering a culture where questions are welcomed, escalation is safe, and deviations from the standard trigger thoughtful reassessment. Mark also advocates for equipping supervisors not only with compliance knowledge but with the tools and mindset of safety leadership—upholding standards, discouraging shortcuts, and collaborating to find workable solutions.

Ultimately, the goal is engagement beyond the classroom. Training should be the starting point for ongoing conversations that empower teams, prevent incidents, and build a safety culture rooted in learning, collaboration, and mutual accountability.