This paper will discuss a training of trainers (TOT) project being conducted by The Labor Occupational Health Program and the California Labor Federation. The program is based on the recognition that workers have a critical role to play in any comprehensive program and have essential expertise on the nature of the problem and the most practical and effective solutions. The training methodology is based on principles of adult learning and popular education and is designed to promote worker involvement in identifying hazards and solutions, in educating co-workers, and in promoting change in the workplace.
The training approach used is the Training of Trainers, in which workers are trained to provide training and assistance to their co-worker. This approach has the following advantages:
a. building in-house expertise b. maximizing the impact of scarce resources c. increasing acceptance of training programs through use of peer educators who more fully understand concerns of the target population as well as organizational constraints within a particular workplace.
Along with these advantages, project staff and participants also face significant challenges as they develop lesson plans, set up workshops, and promote change in the workplace.
This paper will describe the three day Training of Trainers program in which a diverse group of union representatives, representing a wide range of occupations and industries, were trained to be ergonomics "peer educators". It will review training methods used, discuss challenges faced and strategies used to overcome barriers and maximize success, and report on the impact of the program on the participants' ergonomics activities.
Learning Objectives: At conclusion of this session, participants will be able to: 1. Describe key elements of an ergonomics training of trainer program. 2. Identify common challenges in training and supporting worker/trainers. 3. Discuss strategies for addressing challenges and promoting program success
Keywords: Training, Ergonomics
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.