The word "video" is Latin for "I see." It's a fitting description of the medium. While traditional safety training appeals to the ears, video targets the eyes. Visual messages pack a greater punch than audio messages, especially in an electronic era. Thus, the use of video enables safety trainers to bring workplace hazards and other vital safety information to life in a way that traditional safety talks never could.

But video isn't foolproof. A boring video can be just as painful to sit through as a boring safety talk. Last week, we talked about how to create an engaging video. But keep in mind that even a good video can fall flat if the presentation isn't handled well. So let's take a look at how to ensure that your video training sessions don't put workers to sleep.

The Importance of Preparation

Preparation is the key to running an effective video training session. Lots of things can go wrong during a video presentation. That's a problem because mishaps create distractions and cause sessions to drag on longer than they should. And with workers itching to get back to their shifts, delays are the last thing any trainer wants.

Here are some steps to take to ensure that your video training presentations go smoothly:

Preparing the Equipment

The most frequent source of gaffes is malfunctions in the video equipment. So before each session make it a point to check the equipment carefully. This includes making sure:

• The video is fully rewound;
• The TV and VCR are set;
• The volume is on the appropriate setting; and
• All of the equipment has been tested.

Don't complete your preparations until you're sure that the next time you walk into that room everything will be good to go with a flip of the "on" switch.

Preparing the Lesson

Video presentations also require substantive preparation. Don't rely on the video to be the sole component of your training session. The video is just a part of your presentation. An effective video training session should integrate supporting elements that reinforce the message including:

• Printed materials, such as workbooks and texts;
• Narrative presentation;
• Demonstrations of techniques displayed on screen; and
• Discussion both before and after the video is shown.

Screen the video yourself before the presentation to determine what supplementary elements to use to enhance the message. For example, you might want to create narrative passages at crucial points in the video to help viewers relate the information on the screen to their particular work situation.

Delivering the Presentation

Introduce the video with the same sort of enthusiasm and build-up that you would use to introduce a speaker. Tell the viewers what to expect and how they will benefit from watching the video. If something about the video is different from your work situation, mention it in advance.

Take a break when showing long videos; a 20-minute viewing stretch is plenty. Use break time to recap what participants have learned so far.

Conclusion

Safety training has always relied to some degree on a crisp delivery and presentation. Presentation, in turn, is and always has been a function of preparation. Video doesn't change these principles. Video is a supplement not a substitute for the safety trainer. And if trainers aren't prepared to carry out their role effectively, the video training session is bound to fail.

INDUSTRY TALK
The Roots of 'Safety Culture'

Last week, we offered SafetyXChange members a sneak peek at a Train the Trainer video Bongarde has put together. Some of you loved it; one of you, not so much. Clearly, though, it's a timely topic that you all want to learn more about. Thanks to everyone who sent in their feedback. We hope you'll also send in links to your videos.

What Did You Use?

Ok I'm inspired.  I have long believed in the power of video but past attempts have been disappointing.  I love the simple straightforward approach of your demo, it is awesome, but a couple of questions:

• Did you use a remote microphone for the superior sound quality?
• Did you know all your lines or did you use some type of teleprompter?

I would like to try this medium again and what you have done has greatly encouraged me.

Rich Veleta, CSP, ARM
Walter P. Dolle Ins.

Editor's Note: Thanks, Rich. To answer your questions:

• A microphone was attached to my blazer.
• My lines were typed out (in very large font) and a co-worker held them up just beneath the camera.

What Is Available?

I used to use video for safety & technical training and found that it took a lot of time to prepare, rehearse, etc. but was very effective.

A suggestion as for a follow-up article...you might want to publish a list of cameras & desktop editing software packages that are useful to video safety training.  my two cents

John "Bubba" Riehs
Sr. Safety Specialist
Lower Colorado River Authority

Editor's Note: Bubba's right - this would make a great article. So to all you amateur video producers, please send a note to catherinej@bongarde.com about what you use and why you would recommend it.

How I Use Dig-Vid

I just took a sneak peak preview of your safety bulletin board video. Well done!  I see a real value using this medium, and I hope to see more clips in the future.  I began using dig-vid about a year ago to video employees performing tasks, and filming equipment operations.  The video is then used for training & peer review of the tasks.

I am just beginning to re-design my safety presentations for videoing for posterity, new hire orientation, and for use in safety meetings. It has been a great tool, and I am always looking for new applications.

Best Regards,
Randy Riebeling
Loss Prevention Manager
Human Resources Coordinator
Magnesium Elektron North America Inc.

Holy Hyperbole

Just one word;

Awesome, great, fantastic, super, wonderful, outstanding uhhhhhhhhhh, okay one sentence. LOL!

I think the videos will tremendously increase awareness and traffic to the site. And I LOVE doing videos. I have done several videos of projects that I have been on, but not for safety. However, that does not mean I can't start. Yes it does take time, but the end result is so worth it.

Neil

Give Us More

Excellent job with relevant points on the sample video re: bulletin boards.

I am looking forward to seeing more on self-produced safety videos.  This is an area that has great potential in safety and training of both new and experienced employees, thank you for bringing attention to this resource.

Thanks,

Jim McCoy

Don't Do That Again

Too bad you had to sweat for a couple of hours. But, in a word, your video is "horrific". I haven't seen this kind of garbage since the late 1970's, when the ego-maniacal, in-house Ceceil Bs of the day made long, boring slide presentations. They actually had the temerity to record their voices droning on about everything from tripping hazards to housekeeping, in the belief that their audiences were captivated. In fact, the employees of the day looked forward to having a doughnut and a nap once a week, on the company's dime. That's when those bigots resorted to throwing in the odd slide of a Playboy bunny to wake everyone up. (Sexism in the workplace wasn't an issue in the 70's.)

Sorry to say, your acting leaves a lot to be desired. No Emmies for you... and I can only hope there are no Saxcies either! Leave video production to the professionals and acting to actors who know what they're doing. Concentrate on the content, not the delivery and you'll be doing everyone a favour!

By the way. Your 6 minute effort should be a minute in length, given the content. But then, people who write long essays for a living tend to go on a bit, don't they? Oh, one other thing. Professionals require a minimum of one hour of concentrated editing for every finished minute of worthwhile video production. My guess is, you haven't quite mastered it yet.

It's also irresponsible of you to urge people to waste valuable company time doing something that professionals can take care of far more efficiently. After 30 years in the video production business, I can tell you without hesitation, you're not good at it. Stop now, before you do more damage!

Sincerely

Chuck Rea
President,
Wizards Of Video Limited

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