In this blog post, we delve into an insightful conversation with Dave Declerq from Recticel, a leader in insulation solutions, to uncover how they tackled safety training challenges with innovative game-based learning. Learn how Recticel transformed mandatory safety training into an engaging and effective experience, boosting employee participation and retention while ensuring a safer work environment. Dive into their journey and discover the remarkable impact of these strategies on their operations.
Prioritizing Safety in Insulation Production
Recticel specializes in high-risk insulation products for industrial buildings. With over 32 years at Recticel, Dave Declerq has witnessed significant changes and innovations. As a COMAH site, Recticel prioritizes safety due to the flammable and toxic materials they handle. Dave manages logistics and safety, overseeing a team of 40. Traditional classroom training methods were ineffective, prompting Recticel to explore innovative, engaging solutions to ensure comprehensive safety training without disrupting daily operations.
Engaging a Diverse Workforce in Safety Protocols
Traditional safety training methods were falling short due to their disruptive nature and lack of engagement. Employees, swamped with their daily responsibilities, found it difficult to take time out for classroom sessions, leading to poor attendance and retention. The diverse workforce, which includes managers, blue-collar, and white-collar workers, needed a training approach that could adapt to various learning styles and schedules. Additionally, coordinating training sessions for employees working round-the-clock shifts, including nights and weekends, added complexity. These challenges highlighted the urgent need for a more dynamic and flexible training solution to uphold safety standards without hindering productivity.
Engaging Employees Through Real-Life Safety Simulations
Confronted with the limitations of traditional safety training, Recticel embraced a groundbreaking solution: game-based learning. This innovative approach transformed tedious safety sessions into dynamic and engaging experiences. Initially met with skepticism, Dave Declerq and his team soon realized the potential of integrating games into their training regimen. By creating interactive simulations that mirrored real-life scenarios at their facilities, employees could engage with safety protocols in a more meaningful way. This method allowed workers to train during brief downtimes, fitting seamlessly into their schedules without pulling them away from their critical tasks. The result was a significant boost in engagement, retention, and a proactive approach to safety, revolutionizing how safety training was perceived and implemented at Recticel.
