Safely and compliance in shipping and handling dangerous goods and hazardous materials have become increasing complex and challenging. This makes DG compliance across the supply chain a moving target, one that requires proper training. Unfortunately, for many organizations, DG training is insufficient and ineffective, putting them at risk of serious operational, financial and environmental consequences.

According to Labelmaster’s global Dangerous Goods Confidence Outlook survey, almost 76% of DG pros utilize training as one of their primary sources of guidance to keep current with the latest DG regulations. Yet 25% feel their company’s training does not adequately prepare people within the organization to comply with DG shipping regulations.

One of the major barriers to effective DG training is that many view it simply as a “necessary evil.” Consequently, minimal effort is directed toward it. Another barrier is that many companies lack the necessary infrastructure to put forth value-added training that supports compliance across the supply chain in the first place.

As a result, what training employees do receive can be ineffective, leaving organizations vulnerable to putting their brand and customer relationships at risk. In fact, 15% of DG pros say “insufficient or ineffective training” is their greatest compliance challenge.

Organizations must continue to adapt training processes to keep pace with the changing business environment, which includes remote work. Online e-learning is one way to accomplish more cost-effective DG training on a remote basis, and positively impact operations while simultaneously improving the quality of hazmat training. Online training can be especially useful in helping employees digest complicated DG shipping regulations in general.

Other benefits of embracing an e-learning platform to revamp DG training processes include:

• Cost savings. Companies spend less by eliminating travel costs associated with bringing employees to a centralized, in-person training location.
• Greater productivity. Anytime, anywhere training access means employees spend less time away from the workplace and from performing job tasks.
• Faster onboarding. Organizations can experience high employee turnover. Online learning makes it easier to train new workers quickly and effectively, without waiting until enough learners fill a physical training session.
• Employee convenience. Workers get to follow the training materials at their own pace, and can even re-review on-demand training materials as needed.
• Interactivity. Online training content is flexible, scalable and customizable to the specific compliance requirements of each worker’s role. And because it’s interactive, it encourages greater retention. It’s also easier to harmonize and standardize training globally while meeting compliance requirements.

E-learning tech platforms amplify the value of DG training in the following ways:

• They reduce time and cost. Changes in regulatory content can be updated immediately. Training records can be quickly accessed, ensuring that up-to-date records are readily available. Training costs and goals are easier to plan and monitor. And training content is easily sharable across supply chain partners.
• They make it easier to develop consistent content relevant to a company’s unique needs. They integrate various policies, procedures, industries, products and suppliers. They add functionality, with specific tasks and examples to address a given situation. And they support adult-based learning principles.

Outlook:

As shipping DG becomes increasingly complex, and regulations continue to evolve, it’s clear that many organizations will need to rethink their training programs in order to better prepare personnel. This is especially true for organizations that have historically just “checked the box” with regard to compliance training. Moving forward, organizations must understand the shortcomings of current training regimens, and evolve them to keep pace with industry and organizational changes.

Rhonda Jessop is director, Global Learning, with Labelmaster.