“How much?” That’s often the first question we ask when making any type of purchase. But it shouldn’t be the only one.
When you think about it, the old adage still holds true – "you get what you pay for" – and it applies to safety training too.
So why is it often ignored? Compared to corporate training programs, safety training is already a bargain. But, buying safety training based solely on the lowest price often leads to ineffective programs, more workplace incidents, and higher long-term costs due to factors like injuries, regulatory fines and lost productivity.
That is why you should take a different approach.
Think of safety training like a new car purchase. There are many makes and models to choose from. You understand where the brands fit in the long-term reliability and performance spectrum. Typically, car brands and models that are cheap get the job done in the near term, but they begin to fail in the long term, especially when compared to mid- and premium brands.
Makes sense, right? You should think about safety training the same way. Merely ticking a box and buying on the basis of price will lead to compromised quality and assurance, and that won’t get you or your team where you want to be in the long run.
At Act First Safety, we provide reasonably-priced, certified safety training courses to employers and workers across Ontario. From working at heights to scissor lift training – our programs make zero compromises when it comes to safety and quality. Let us show you why choosing your safety program based on its price tag might be a bad strategy.
Negative Effects of Price-Driven Purchasing
Price-driven purchasing might seem like a good idea, but it can have disastrous consequences when applied to safety training. Let’s explore.
Compromised quality and effectiveness
Focusing on minimizing upfront costs can result in "cutting corners" on the quality of training materials used, expertise of instructors, approved training methods, classroom environment, and the use of up-to-date, engaging training methodologies (e.g., online training, blended learning, or virtual training). Ineffective training doesn’t prepare employees for real-world hazards, thus increasing the risk of accidents.
Online learning, by far, is the cheapest safety training in the market. But it doesn’t provide the engagement or in-depth learning that is often needed in safety training.
For example, working at heights training, scissor lift training, and forklift operator training require physical demonstrations on the safe use of the equipment. This cannot be done virtually.
So, while online learning is an excellent way to fill training gaps and provide general awareness on topics like lockout/tagout, for example, it doesn’t replace the in-depth, hands-on instruction an electrician should receive on the same subject.
On the flipside, offline courses such as Joint Health and Safety Committee or JHSC training offer maximum engagement. They give learners the platform to openly discuss their challenges and ask questions in a classroom setting, allowing them to be among a variety of industry leaders.
Offline learning opportunities instill confidence in applied learning, helping workers retain what they have learned when they go back to their workplaces.
Increased incident rates and associated costs
Inadequate or poor-quality training leads to more workplace injuries and illnesses. The costs of these incidents — medical expenses, workers' compensation claims, equipment damage, and legal fees — far exceed any initial savings on training.
Hidden indirect costs
Beyond direct financial costs, inadequate safety training can lead to high indirect costs. For example, decreased productivity as a result of a cheap training program can cause machine downtime at work, thus disrupting operations, and potentially leading to loss of revenue.
Furthermore, when employees feel unsafe, morale drops, leading to increased absenteeism and higher employee turnover, which in turn raises hiring and training costs for new staff.
Inadequate training can also increase the chances of workplace accidents. A poor safety record signals a higher risk to insurers, resulting in higher premiums.
Finally, cheap training programs do not provide you with a valid certification, thus risking non-compliance with safety standards. This can lead to hefty fines from regulatory bodies.
Damaged reputation and business relationships
A company's commitment to safety is an important factor in building a sustainable reputation. In business-to-business (B2B) contexts, customers value suppliers who invest in safety training, and a poor safety record can negatively impact future contract opportunities.
Real Scenarios for Achieving Value-Based Priced Safety Training
Case #1 – Ineffective Safety Training
Client Request: A quote was requested from a client to train their staff of 750 members. The training was to be provided virtually via an instructor. To ensure the engagement and quality of training, our quote included no more than 25 staff per session. Others made their proposal too, and it was up to the client to decide which seemed like the most viable choice. Unfortunately, the client went for the lowest bid.
Bid Lost: The bid was awarded to another training provider based on cost without any scope of additional considerations or discussions. The winning vendor had proposed a maximum class size of 250 staff per session for a maximum of 3 sessions!
While this might seem affordable, quick, and efficient, it would provide little opportunity to evaluate how much the participants actually learned or confirm those in attendance, making these training sessions feel like boxes being checked on a list.
This kind of approach to training creates a corporate culture where training is not taken seriously. Therefore, it would be reasonable to assume that little was achieved in terms of transference of knowledge and skills gained. Thankfully, learners can’t be fooled and recognize when training has become a glorified pencil-whipping.
Case #2 – Returning Customer
Recently, a client we hadn’t seen for a while paid a visit to our training centre and expressed their desire to book training sessions with Act First Safety, going forward. The reason? They had prior experience with trying a cheaper competitor, which did not go as planned. They ended up receiving incorrect information during the class from a hostile trainer, causing almost the entire class to walk out of the session.
How Inexpensive Safety Courses Contribute To A Poor Learner Experience
A poor safety training experience may be the result of training equipment in disrepair or not working at all, an uncomfortable learning space that is just too small, or an instructor lacking the necessary skills to conduct the program. Each of these hampers the learning experience and leads to inadequate training.
Incomplete training can be dangerous. When workers do not acquire the skills needed to work in the challenging construction, repair or maintenance sectors of Ontario, the instances of workplace accidents increase. That is why it is critical to invest in the right course – whether it’s working at heights training, scissor lift training or forklift operator training.
Take, for example, our latest tryst with a new client. They told us about ‘the last place’ they attended a training program at. It had no proper washrooms. To substitute for the lack of one, the so-called institute just dug out a hole in the middle of the floor with no walls or partitions for privacy! These factors are no laughing matter and can severely hamper the overall learning experience due to distraction and incompetence.
Why Taking A Cautious Approach To Training Programs Is Critical
Establishing a value-based pricing model is a choice for a business. That’s the direction that Act First Safety has chosen because we recognize that most of our clients are doing the same thing in their businesses. Whether you are a plumber, electrician or an HVAC service-oriented business, you are likely valuing your customer, treating staff well and offering reasonable pricing.
We are no different. Our goal is to build strong and enduring relationships with our clients. It is not wrong to search for the least expensive service or product, but with that comes the adage of “buyer beware”.
Take any training, for example. When we come to learn that a competitor’s training was completed in less time (half a day) than the mandated time allotment (full day), we don’t consider that a good thing. These time allotments exist for a reason. It takes that much time to cover the entire course’s content and to ensure that learners understand the material being taught. That is why, when it comes to safety training, thoroughness is best – not being faster, or cheaper, or both.
However, if you are still unsure, we suggest that you read the reviews of any service you purchase both personally and professionally. Check out their mission statement, vision and values. Check for alignments.
Basically, you must treat the company that you work for like it was your own and spend their money like it is your own when making safety training choices. Be cautious in making vendor decisions, and ask for a trial or a demo from your chosen safety training provider to see if you are comfortable with their services before spending the big bucks. Make sure that you get what you pay for and that your experience has been positive and will translate well for the rest of the team.
If possible, determine the ownership and understand their motivation behind the organization. Recently, a B2B partnership that was languishing for years was seeing more cracks. When a few errors in their services slipped through, a statement from the company’s owner was demanded, and they said, “I really don’t care. I just want the money.” Needless to say, the lack of attention to detail, lack of care for the relationship, and a complete lack of regard for the customer ended that relationship.
The Better Approach: Viewing Safety as an Investment
Expert consensus and research suggest that safety training should be viewed as a critical investment, and not minimized to an expense or "line item".
In fact, it is safe to assume that for small and mid-sized Canadian businesses, safety training isn’t a line item at all. It’s a mandate, whether by legislation, industry standards, or the demands of a new job. That is why investing in a planned, organized safety training from a reputable partner is critical.
Studies back it up, too. They consistently show a positive return on investment (ROI) for quality safety programs, with some estimates suggesting a return of $4 to $6 for every dollar invested. Prioritizing value over the lowest price ensures a safer, healthier, and ultimately more productive and profitable workplace.
Conclusion
By now, you know the consequences of selecting an inexpensive training program. It is only going to increase costs to the company in the long run in the form of liabilities, re-training programs, and increased instances of workplace downtime and accidents.
The best course of action is to invest in a course that offers it all, no compromises. Act First Safety offers comprehensive, high-quality, all-encompassing safety training programs in Ontario that ensure compliance. Contact us to enroll in our certified courses today.
FAQs
How do I evaluate a safety training provider before choosing them?
There are a couple of items you should check before hiring a safety training provider. These include verifying instructor credentials, checking equipment quality, class size, training format, reviews, and certification validity. Make sure your chosen provider is compliant with provincial standards.
Is virtual safety training enough for hands-on jobs?
No. Especially if it requires the use of equipment such as forklifts, MEWPs, machinery or other tools. Practical training is the only way to learn the ropes of the job and gain certification.
How does high-quality training reduce employee turnover?
By offering workers quality training, you contribute to their overall safety and security. As a result, they feel more confident and valued onsite, which increases job satisfaction and reduces attrition.
