Which Alphabet Soup do you use?

When looking at options for safety training, there is an extensive “alphabet soup” of certifying agencies and certification levels.   NASP, BCSP, CSP, LSP, CSA, OHST, CSHO, 511/501, and on and on.  From what I understand, they are pretty much like comparing Ford, Dodge and Chevy trucks – all doing virtually the same thing and for the same reason, but touting that they are the best.

A safety program must include basic information (like PPE usage and machine guarding) along with industry specific training (like permit required confined space or special HAZMAT training).  Training must be done initially and then have refreshers at specific intervals.  There needs to be written versions of the programs and they need to be reviewed on a frequent basis to make necessary changes to keep up with actual conditions and changes in industry best-practices.  Plus, management must buy into the program in order for the employees to buy into the concept of a culture of safety.

But when it actually gets down to the training, how do you do it?  Do you outsource your training or do you do it in-house?  Do you require an “OSHA” 10 or 30 hour course or is the equivalent NASP course sufficient (or what do you recognized as an equivalent)?  Do you require a CSP (Certified Safety Professional) to oversee and administer your safety program, or is training done by a competent person?  Is the addition of letters after the trainers name a recognizable and tangible value to your company, or is it marketing hype that drives training costs beyond reasonable expectations?  There are almost incalculable options when it comes to providing safety training, but what is most cost effective and what isn’t, what works and what doesn’t?

The above are not simply rhetorical questions.  How you chose to train your employees has an impact on the bottom line of your company - and regardless of opinion, training is necessary for the health of your employees AND the health of your bottom line.