Safety training 4.0: Active, collaborative, human-focused practices, to improve health at work

Our aim was to evaluate the effect of training on safety knowledge, attitudes, behaviors and health outcomes. Employees of an occupational training institute (n=141), were randomly assigned to mandatory (G1) or discretionary (G2) safety training or to control group (G3). All outcomes were measured before training (T0), immediately after (T1) and then three (T2) and six months (T3, only for knowledge) later. The original training model (10 hours lasting 16 weeks) was divided into three steps: classroom presentation of everyday risk conditions, through original videos; individual on-the-job practice; classroom discussion of self-cases, in small groups. Training had an impact on safety outcomes (no difference between G1-G2), but its efficacy generally decreased at T2. We found greater effectiveness when training was delivered by qualified trainers andtraining contents were closely related to daily work experience. Constraints are due to ecological characteristics of empirical study and limited number of participants. Effects of training can be maintained only by providing re-training over time and highlighting usefulness of training instead of compulsory attendance. We provided a new methodological approach and valid measures in order to extend the investigation to other work sectors. Data highlight an effective training model and show that correct risk perception can determine safer behavior through the mediation of: a) positive attitudes toward safety; b) occupational safety climate.