Opinion Piece: From lectures to life-saving skills – transforming safety training with Hazard Parks

By Ruan Janse Van Rensburg, Partner at KBC Health & Safety

Hazard Parks offer an innovative and practical solution for, companies seeking to prioritise employee safety and well-being in high-risk industries. The constant challenge for most organisations lies in ensuring that their employees are not only aware of safety protocols but are also equipped to handle real-life scenarios. Traditional safety training often falls short as it leans heavily on theoretical knowledge, leaving a gap between classroom learning and on-site challenges. This is where Hazard Parks play a pivotal role, providing a unique and immersive learning experience that contributes to knowledge retention and leads to improved safety and increased compliance.

Bridging the gap between theory and practice

Traditional safety training usually focuses heavily on theoretical information. While essential facts are delivered through professional facilitation and presentations, experiential learning assists in preparing employees for real-life scenarios they are likely to encounter in the workplace. Hazard Parks provide a controlled environment where employees can touch, feel, and interact with potential hazards. This hands-on approach allows for a deeper understanding of the risks involved and provides a platform for employees to ask questions and seek clarification in a safe environment.

Customised training for unique hazards

Generic Hazard Parks address the common risks faced on most high-risk worksites. However, KBC recognises that every worksite presents its own specific hazards and challenges and, where necessary, engages with clients to custom-build unique Hazard Parks according to the prevalent risks and lost time injuries.

Dynamic benefits of Hazard Parks

The value proposition of this innovative approach is evident in:

• Involving personnel from all departments in the design of a customised Hazard Park utilises unique skill sets and maintains relevance across the organisation. This dynamic motivates buy-in across the board and ensures that the Hazard Park is seen as an integral part of the overall safety culture
• The dynamic of applying practical components to theoretical concepts improves knowledge retention
• Repeat visits to Hazard Park stations positively contributes to continuous learning
• The long-term return on investment can be measured by improved statistics related to lost time injuries (LFIs) and near misses, and the overall improvement in safety culture

KBC guides organisations in the implementation of this creative learning methodology as we journey toward achieving a sustainable safety cycle.