Archive for the ‘Safety Training’ Category

Industrial Training Tips

Thursday, November 17th, 2011

When it comes to training industrial employees, creating a program that is tailored to your organizations specific needs is key. If your training initiatives are not planned with your employees in mind, there’s a good chance you will not achieve your desired outcome. As a manager your priority is to make sure the implemented training program is effective and maximizes your return on investment. Here are a few tips to ensure your goals are met:

Training should be relevant to your organizational needs

The training program that you put in place must relate to the day to day tasks of your employees and should make a distinct connection with the workplace or even your employee’s specific workstation. If this connection is not made, training becomes unrelated and employees are likely to get bored and pay little attention.

Incorporate hands on training

Online courseware, like ITC Leaning’s, is a great way to allow industrial employees to expand their knowledge on their own time and in a comfortable setting. But while reading and doing practice assignments can be helpful, nothing is more beneficial than hands on training. Integrate real life situations into your training program to ensure employee will know what to do when they are no longer reading words but are actually working with industrial equipment. Describing how a process should be done is very different than actually being able to perform the task in a real life scenario, once training is completed.

Spell it out

Your trainees should know exactly what is expected from their training. Explain to your learners how their newly acquired industrial skills will apply to their day to day work. Let them know the basic knowledge they’ll need to have in order to perform well in the training courses and what they are expected to learn from the program as a whole.

Track progress

The only way to know if your industrial training was effective is to follow up. Assess skill sets before and after training to determine if your program was successful. Let your learners know that they will be evaluated on their applied skills once training is over, this may help engage them from the start.

Industrial training is a pertinent aspect of operating an efficient and proficient industrial organization. If not done properly, a lot of time and resources can be wasted. Make sure your goals are well defined and your selected courseware is accurate and up to date. ITC Learning strives to provide superior online courseware for your employees in an effort to improve industrial skills and help your business succeed.

Unemployment Applications Decrease while Manufacturing Jobs Increase

Tuesday, November 15th, 2011

The Labor Department reports the number of unemployment applications fell in the first week of November. The number of applications dropped to the lowest level since April 2011. The drop in applications may be an indication that employers are beginning to feel comfortable hiring again. Additionally, the Commerce Department announced the U.S trade deficit reached its lowest point of the year in September 2011. With foreign sales of American machinery reaching an all-time high, the deficit dropped for the 3rd consecutive time by nearly 4% to a grand total of $43.1 billion.

While the hiring outlook has been somewhat grim for a while, Washington D.C. reported that employers added more jobs in August and September than they had originally intended. Industrial employers have posted more jobs in September than at any other time over the past few years.

With a modest economic growth underway, industrial training initiatives are even more crucial.  Manufacturing plants, small and large, must realize the importance of hiring competent employees who are willing and able to not only perform the expected tasks of the job but also take part in tailored training courses. Employees who are eager to learn and advance their industrial skill sets are essential to any industrial business. Technology continues to rapidly evolve and so must your industrial workforce if you plan to maintain a competitive edge. ITC Learning’s online courseware covers all the safety and maintenance basics as well as in depth industrial skills training. Our courseware can be customized to fit your organization’s needs. From control training to air compressor repair to boiler training and even hydraulic training, you can rest easy knowing ITC Learning is an industry leader in providing the most accurate and quality industrial training.

In October, the economy created 80,000 jobs, the fewest added in over four months. However, with unemployment applications going down and manufacturers working to create more jobs a bright future is near. The next step is to create highly skilled and knowledgeable workers to manage your production, increase your efficiency and produce the best quality output for your business. ITC Learning can help you accomplish these goals by utilizing our SCORM based online courseware selected and customized specifically for your business and your employees.

Image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net & M_Bartosch

Ensure Your Employees’ Skills are as Current as Your Equipment

Thursday, September 15th, 2011

As technology continues to evolve the manufacturing industry is sure to follow. Computers and robotics have undoubtedly changed the industry and in some ways made it more accurate and efficient. The Association for Manufacturing Technology and The American Machine Tool Distributors Association reported that in July of this year, manufacturing technology consumption amounted to more than $500 million dollars. The amount shows a 93% increase from July of 2010, when machine tool sales totaled around $260 million. Overall, sales have gone up an astonishing 102.9% from 2010. AMTDA’s president says that the ups and downs of the stock market have had little to no effect on the demand for new machinery in plants. He predicts that eventually this pace will slow as orders are fulfilled, however in the meantime business is booming. Regionally, the Midwest has seen the greatest success with sales reaching $159.26 million. While the Northern region reached just over $75 million. The increase in manufacturing technology consumption may shed a light of hope on the condition of the industry’s economic standing, allowing it to continue to improve and develop more advanced systems.

With machine tool sales doing so well, manufacturers must ensure their employees are properly trained to operate and oversee their updated equipment. Just like the evolution of the industry the training skills of industrial employees must progress as well. ITC Learning is devoted to ensuring your staff is duly trained so they can operate the newest technologies in your plant safely and correctly. Inadequate training can result in injuries in the workplace. While accidents cannot be predicted, together we can do our best to ensure they are prevented. Not only is proper operation of your machinery important to your business’ success but also the maintenance of your tools. ITC’s online industrial training aims to help your staff maintain an advanced knowledge base of new and basic skills. We also offer maintenance training to ensure the upkeep of your equipment is performed properly and regularly. Protect your business, your employees and your equipment by investing in ITC’s skills training courseware.

To read the full report released by USMTO, click here.

Image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net & Suat Eman

How SCORM Can Benefit Your Business

Thursday, September 1st, 2011

When researching ways in which web-based industrial training will benefit your business you will learn about the many advantages of online courseware, like ITC’s. Some of the major returns on investment include an increase in safety knowledge among your employees and the opportunity to further their trade education as a means to increase your company’s productivity and efficiency. While these advantages are crucial to the advancement of your business, considering the structure of the actual courseware you plan on purchasing is just as important.

Today, SCORM (Sharable Content Reference Model) is an essential tool when it comes to e learning. Simply put, it is a technical standard that manages how online training courseware is developed and delivered to students. It dictates the stipulations for developing web-based learning material (i.e. what software language to use) and ensures any content that meets the SCORM standards is compatible with your Learning management System (LMS). The Learning Management System allows SCORM to communicate with the actual instructional material and share its contents across multiple platforms. Ultimately, SCORM permits your online courseware to be delivered quicker and at a lower cost. All ITC courseware is SCORM compliant and our LMS is designed to simplify directing your e learners to the appropriate courseware, monitoring their progress and tracking their scores.

The intentions of SCORM are to make online courseware accessible, adjustable, affordable, durable, interoperable and reusable for the following reasons:

  • SCORM allows users to pinpoint instructional materials from one location and share them with multiple locations.
  • Organizations are able to modify online courseware depending on individual and organizational needs.
  • With SCORM, your company can increase online training productivity by decreasing the time and costs of distributing courseware content. Since the software is compatible with all SCORM compliant Learning Management Systems (LMS’s), it also reduces the chance of needing costly upgrades or redesigns.
  • Regardless of how technology changes, your web-based training materials will maintain compatibility through the use of SCORM.
  • SCORM allows users to manage instructional content developed in one place and share it across multiple platforms. In other words, your courseware can run on different LMS’s.
  • With SCORM, instructors or managers can pull modules and content from different courseware and reassign them to new lessons or utilize them in a different context.

By using online courseware that is SCORM compliant, like ITC Learning’s, you can remain confident your industrial employees will receive the proper training for their trade through manageable and easily accessible content.

Lack of Electrical Training Will Shock You…Literally

Tuesday, August 30th, 2011

As we have mentioned time and time again, occupational safety training is essential to any industrial job. Young and new employees are more likely to be injured on the job than experienced workers. However, hundreds of thousands of industrial workers, new and experienced, are injured every year while working. Training and re-training your employees can not only benefit your business but also their well-being.

Anytime an employee handles an electrical circuit, there is an elevated risk of electrical shock. Electrical safety behaviors should extend beyond electricians. Any worker utilizing a power tool or working alongside someone dealing with electrical equipment can increase the chances of electrocution occurring. At ITC we recognize that industrial training is a fundamental element to running a successful and safe business. With our interactive courseware your staff will learn essential skill sets to practice their trade without harm. Below are a few points that will help educate your staff on the importance of electrical safety training.

  • Black and red wires are usually energized. Anytime an electrical circuit or component is energized there is a risk of electrical shock. White wires are usually neutral. However, neutral wires can still pose a threat if not properly handled by a trained professional.
  • Metal electrical boxes should always be grounded.
  • Before any repairs are made, all electrical systems should be shut off and then double checked to make sure they are completely off.
  • Utilize color coded wiring when dealing with voltage regulating equipment to ensure the safety of yourself and future repairmen.
  • Always lock out and tag out electrical circuits. Never attempt to open a circuit that has been locked. To gain access, contact the person listed on the tag for approval.
  • Always assess the job you are about to take on. By recognizing possible threats in advance you may save yourself or a co-worker from a work-related injury. Pre-work briefings can also help identify possible hazards and answer questions in order to avoid injury.
  • Consistently check wiring diagrams to make sure all proper connections are made. Any incorrect wiring can easily cause a fire.

These tips should be taken into consideration before dealing with any electrical component. By investing in ITC’s electrical training courseware you will greatly benefit your business and allow your employees to further their trade education.

Air Compressor and Pneumatic Tool Safety

Thursday, August 25th, 2011

Air compressors are used in a wide variety of fields, from manufacturing and industrial plants to commercial businesses and households. Among their many functions, air compressors are used to power pneumatic tools. These air tools utilize tough flexible hosing to connect to an air compressor that channels 60-120 pounds of air per square inch. The compressed air moves pistons back and forth that in turn power the pneumatic tools. While air compressors and pneumatic tools offer your business the opportunity to complete large jobs quicker and more efficiently, like all industrial equipment, they can potentially harm your employees and your project. An advanced skill set achieved through proper training will decrease the chances of injury on the job and allow your employees to use pneumatic tools safely and successfully. ITC offers extensive training courseware that will further educate you and your staff on the essential skills to operate industrial equipment properly. Below are just a few tips for air compressor and pneumatic tool safety.

Air Compressors

  • Drain the tank every 4 hours to reduce the chances of rust building up.
  • Never set air pressure greater than an attachment’s rating.
  • If you are using a compressor powered by an engine, check the oil level before each use.
  • Let the engine cool completely before you refuel.
  • Clean the air filter often to prevent dust and debris from reaching the pump.
  • Follow the maintenance schedule regularly to ensure your compressor performs safely and effectively.

Pneumatic Tools

  • Always read the manufacturer’s instruction manual before operating a tool, no matter what your skill set, you should be fully educated on each specific tool before using it.
  • Blow excess air out of the line before connecting any tool.
  • Double check to ensure the tool is properly and securely attached to the hose.
  • Wear safety goggles, gloves and hearing protection when operating an air compressor and pneumatic tools.
  • Do not use compressed air for cleaning purposes unless you utilize an attachment that will reduce the air pressure at the nozzle to 30 psi or less.

Industrial equipment and tools such as air compressors and pneumatic tools should always be operated by a capable and trained professional. To guarantee your staff is adequately trained, utilize the ITC industrial training courseware to educate them on safe practices.

Basic Hydraulic Training Skills

Tuesday, August 23rd, 2011

Hydraulic systems are a vital aspect to an array of industries today, among them, manufacturing, construction, and agriculture. Hydraulic systems are used to conduct power through the use of pressurized fluids. Dealing with hydraulic machinery can be extremely dangerous and the fluids can be incredibly toxic. With the proper hydraulic training employees are less likely to injure themselves and others on the job. ITC offers basic and in depth industrial training courseware that will benefit your business and strengthen the knowledge of your industrial employees.

Proper servicing of hydraulic equipment is crucial to maintain optimal performance. Before examining any hydraulic system, all precautionary measures should be taken. First, the system must be shut off. Next, pressure must be alleviated from all lines. Fluid can remain trapped in hoses even when the system is off and may be pressurized at over 2,000 psi. To relieve pressure effectively, move the hydraulic control lever back and forth multiple times. It is important to always refer to the instructions listed in the operator’s manual to ensure all procedures are properly performed.

When attaching hydraulic hoses, each connection must be as tight as possible before pressure is distributed. Employees must also stay away from areas that may expel fluids under high pressure. Workers handling hydraulic systems should ensure all hoses are connected to the appropriate couplings to avoid injuries. If an industrial worker comes in contact with hydraulic fluids, they must seek medical attention immediately.

Allowing your staff to operate these systems without basic hydraulic training skills can not only be potentially hazardous to your employees but also to your business. ITC can help effectively train or re-train your staff in the comfort of their home or office. With interactive and user-friendly software, ITC is a leader in the industrial skills training industry.

The Benefits of Industrial Skills Training

Thursday, August 18th, 2011

There are countless benefits to industrial skills training that range from safety to profitability. ITC’s skills training courseware is dedicated to improving your employee’s knowledge of basic and complex industrial skills. Here are just a few ways ITC’s industrial skills training programs will benefit your organization.

SAFETY
First and foremost, safety is the most important aspect of industrial skills training. With properly trained employees in the field you can rest assure the likelihood of someone being injured on the job is reduced.

INCREASE PRODUCTIVITY & ENHANCE THE QUALITY OF WORK

When your staff has a well-rounded skill set, they are more likely to perform efficiently and effectively. They will be able to work at a quicker pace since they no longer need to stop and ask simple questions. The quality of your output will also increase since your workers will know the expected level of superiority that is required to correctly complete the job.

OPTOMIZE ROI
With adequately trained employees you will optimize your return on investment. As a business executive you know that what you put into your business directly effects what your employees put out. If you make the extra effort to ensure your staff is appropriately trained for their job, you are sure to increase your profitability.

EXPAND EMPLOYEE KNOWLEDGE
As technology continues to evolve, the necessary skill sets required to work in the field and properly operate industrial equipment are changing. ITC offers interactive software that can easily improve your staff’s knowledge. By utilizing SCORM (Sharable Content Object Reference) we ensure our online skills training courseware is sharable between systems so you can track employee improvement as well as update courseware as necessary.

Poll suggests economy showing substantial improvement

Tuesday, April 19th, 2011
Economists expect a 2 percent increase in sales in 2011

Economists expect a 2 percent increase in sales in 2011

A recent survey conducted by the National Association for Business Economics says that the U.S. economy’s health is improving “substantially.”

“Companies appear to be positioning themselves for a firming economic environment,” said Shawn DuBravac, an economist with the Consumer Electronics Association, who analyzed the findings.

The survey is conducted quarterly and expresses the views of economists from a select size of trade groups and privately held companies. Results are measured by the Net Rising Index (NRI) which measures the percentage of those that report better outlooks over those whose outlook is less optimistic. (more…)

Radioactive Leak Stops in Japan

Thursday, April 7th, 2011

Can we learn anything from Japan’s action in the wake of its catastrophe?

There was a sigh of relief when news broke on Wednesday that Japan was able to plug a radiation leak that spilled hazardous material into the Pacific Ocean. There was even more relief when Japanese officials suggested that the radiation levels in the Pacific Ocean wasn’t thought to have an effect on the marine life — most notably fish. It’s a small victory for the embattled country.

The leak was the latest in a long line of ongoing issues nuclear plant officials have been dealing with in the wake of the catastrophic tsunami that hit the island country nearly a month ago. Most catastrophes are so great that prevention is impossible, but there are ways to prepare for if and when these disasters hit. Educating workers of the dangers and issues they could face is a top priority for most employers in the manufacturing world. (more…)