A recent survey from Threads of Life reveals that the greatest challenge to improving workplace health and safety is a lack of time for training, with 49 percent of respondents identifying it as the top barrier. The survey, conducted from February 26 to March 11, 2024, involved over 1,000 business leaders and decision-makers. This issue is consistent across organizations of all sizes, with larger companies (500+ employees) reporting the challenge in 55 percent of cases. Shirley Hickman, executive director of Threads of Life, emphasized that while many companies have strong safety programs, understaffing often makes it difficult to dedicate time for proper training. “In today’s employment environment, finding time for health and safety training is a significant hurdle,” she said.
Medium-sized businesses are particularly struggling, facing not only time constraints but also confusion over complex safety regulations. The survey found that 43 percent of medium-sized organizations reported difficulties navigating these rules, with smaller and larger businesses echoing similar concerns. Understaffing was another critical issue, with 24 percent of respondents stating it reduces their ability to prevent workplace incidents. This impact was most pronounced in medium-sized (35 percent) and large (31 percent) businesses. Despite these barriers, the survey noted that buy-in for safety initiatives from senior management (80 percent) and employees (70 percent) remains strong.
Encouragingly, 74 percent of respondents reported having safety training programs in place, though smaller businesses lag behind. Threads of Life, which supports families affected by workplace tragedies, continues to advocate for stronger safety measures. “One injury, one illness, or one death is too many,” said Hickman, who lost her son in a workplace explosion. She called for a collective commitment to safety, emphasizing that the survey is a reminder of the urgent need to prioritize worker protection.
Original Source: https://www.ohscanada.com/lack-of-time-for-training-is-biggest-safety-roadblock-threads-of-life-survey/
