Safety is a top priority in the construction industry, where workers face numerous hazards daily. To ensure the safety and well-being of its members, the Laborers International Union of North America (LIUNA) sought to enhance its Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) training program.
Partnering with Leopard Media Group and Comprehensive Learning Solutions, LIUNA aimed to develop an engaging, competency-based curriculum that would provide construction craft laborers and apprentices with the critical safety skills needed to reduce workplace risks.
The client
The Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA) is a powerful voice for over half a million workers across the U.S. and Canada. Committed to improving lives, LIUNA provides its members with the training and support they need to secure safe, good-paying jobs.
From building infrastructure to advancing energy and public service projects, LIUNA works with both public and private partners to uphold fair labor standards and invest in workforce development. Their mission is simple: protect workers, create opportunities, and strengthen communities across North America.
The problem
LIUNA needed an updated OSHA training curriculum to address several key challenges:
- Diverse learner backgrounds: The audience included both apprentices and experienced workers with varying levels of formal education.
- Interactive learning requirement: LIUNA required a highly interactive training experience that minimized traditional lectures and slide-based presentations.
- Complex technical content: The curriculum needed to cover OSHA regulations in detail while remaining accessible and engaging for all learners.
- Extended training hours: The training had to span over 30 hours, requiring a mix of engaging activities to maintain learner interest and retention.
The solution
Comprehensive Learning Solutions tackled these challenges by designing a dynamic and hands-on training program that transformed traditional safety instruction into an interactive learning experience. Our approach included:
- Learner-driven instruction: Instead of passive lectures, we created an environment where participants took an active role in their learning, engaging in discussions and hands-on activities.
- Scenario-based learning: Real-life construction site scenarios helped trainees apply OSHA safety principles in practical settings.
- Innovative activities and games: We developed engaging exercises that required learners to read and interpret technical safety content to complete tasks successfully.
- Competency-based training: The curriculum ensured that workers not only understood OSHA safety regulations but could also apply them effectively on the job.
- Trainer-facilitated discussions: Instructors acted as facilitators rather than lecturers, guiding learners through meaningful discussions and problem-solving exercises.
The impact
The revamped OSHA safety training program resulted in significant improvements for LIUNA and its members. We saw:
- Greater engagement and retention: Interactive, scenario-based learning led to higher participation and knowledge retention among trainees.
- Enhanced safety awareness: Workers gained a deeper understanding of construction safety, leading to improved compliance with OSHA regulations.
- Empowered trainers: By shifting the focus to facilitation, trainers became more effective at guiding discussions and reinforcing key safety concepts.
- Scalable training model: The competency-based approach provided a framework for future safety training programs, ensuring long-term benefits for LIUNA members.
Grow with Comprehensive Learning Solutions
At Comprehensive Learning Solutions, we specialize in developing engaging, learner-centered training programs tailored to diverse audiences. Whether you need to simplify complex regulations, improve workplace safety, or enhance workforce skills, our customized solutions ensure lasting impact.
Let’s work together to create training that empowers and protects your workforce. Contact us today to learn how we can support your organization’s learning and development goals.
