Wisconsin training program could reduce work accident risk

Employers are often faced with the challenge of keeping their employees safe. A work accident can not only leave an employer with an injured worker, but can reduce overall productivity and affect company morale. It is in the best interests of both a company and its employees to take every measure to increase safety. Here in Wisconsin, one construction company is hoping to do just that by properly training prospective employees before they are even on the job.

Staab Construction has made the proactive choice to implement a thorough training program after obtaining a grant from the state Workforce Development Department. The company is predicting job openings in the near future and is hoping that they can prepare new employees for situations they may encounter in their new workplace. The program will focus on safety aspects -- such as first aid and maintaining a secure work site -- in addition to other beneficial lessons including time management, conflict resolution and handling workplace materials.

Management at Staab Construction is concerned that the recent economic crisis and an aging workforce will leave the construction industry with a high amount of openings for qualified workers. While this can be good for job creation, workers need to be fully educated in order to have maximum productivity and maintain safety standards. Those who are running the training program are confident that those who enroll will have access to jobs within the construction industry upon completion.

Improper job training is often the cause of a serious work accident. This can lead to an injured employee needing to file a worker’s compensation claim, which that employee has every right to do. In the case of a fatality, a worker’s family could file a claim on his or her behalf. Worker’s compensation can be used to make up for lost wages, to cover medical expenses and for other costs that might arise. The fact that at least one company in Wisconsin is making efforts to keep their employees safe speaks volumes about how they value their workforce.

Source: marshfieldnewsherald.com, "Construction company hopes training program will produce new hires", Marisa Cuellar, June 2, 2014