Learning how to function post-Covid-19 – can you think of anyone who hasn’t felt Corona-virus’s impact in some way?

No, me neither.

Getting products to sanitize home, office, and cars. Wearing a mask anytime one goes ‘out’. Minimizing contact with coworkers, colleagues, and for safety trainers – contact with students. We adapt, especially while conducting safety training.

Companies recognize that safety training must occur even during an international pandemic. In some industries, the lack of certain safety training can stop a job. Who knew safety training was essential to the economy? What a great responsibility to have to keep people protected from covid-19 while teaching them how to go home from work uninjured.

I spoke to my colleague, Eric Green, about how he conducts hands-on training for forklifts, aerial lifts and fall protection given the current situation. He simply stated, “Training is not hard. It’s just different.” Eric indicated that the clients who invite him to their facilities take extreme caution when hosting safety training. Engineering controls incorporating facility sanitation. Administrative controls including physical distancing and hygiene requirements. And, of course the last line of defense for any hazardous environment, personal protective equipment like masks and gloves.

Protecting participants in a safety training class starts and ends with diligent and thorough sanitation. Eric stated if a room isn’t sanitized before he starts his class, he does a wipe-down. He asks for a larger teaching space and smaller class size. “I’d rather keep follow best practices and teach two classes than put anyone at risk by having too many people in the classroom.” If 6-feet of separation isn’t possible while conducting instructor-led training, participants must mask-up. When returning from breaks, everyone must use hand sanitizer or wash hands. Gloves and masks are required during all hands-on training sessions. When the class winds down, tables, chairs, equipment, and other surfaces used during training get sanitized again. Eric and his clients work together to achieve a covid-free, safer, learning environment.

I, conversely, teach virtually. Eric spoke the truth. Virtual training isn’t hard, but it is different. Covid-19 transmission doesn’t enter the equation. Last week, I taught 3 virtual classes. Nine students got their client-required training. Nine workers were able report to a job site because we offer virtual orientation courses.

If only there was a way to assure those workers will remain hydrated and stave off any kind of heat illness. Ah, Texas in July.