Logging Operations Safety Training

This scenario-based eLearning training was designed for all utility workers at The Barking Company who operate a chainsaw daily. The training will minimize and prevent injuries to chainsaw operators, providing a safer work environment. The learner is immersed in real-life dangerous hazards where they choose how to stay safe with a chainsaw.

Audience: All utility workers at The Barking Company who will use a chainsaw daily.

Responsibilities: Analysis, Instructional Design, eLearning Development, Visual Design, Scripting, Design Document, Storyboard.

Tools: Articulate Storyline 360, Google Docs, WellSaid Labs.

ID Models Used: ADDIE & SAM

Experience the Project

Overview

A chainsaw is an efficient and productive portable power tool that can be dangerous if not used correctly and carefully. Utility workers are at a high risk of injury without proper training in preparing to utilize a chainsaw.

In creating this course, I analyzed the main reasons why so many serious injuries occur to utility workers while operating a chainsaw. Utility workers who use chainsaws not only need to prepare to be safe, but they also need to be aware of the hazards that occur while a chainsaw is in motion. At The Barking Company, training is broken down into various modules, so all material is chunked appropriately, and chainsaw operators have a better success rate of safety. To minimize hazards and accomplish safety goals, I designed and developed a scenario-based eLearning experience where chainsaw operators can be immersed in real-world situations.

This training covers the basic safety precautions chainsaw operators need to take, such as analyzing conditions affecting use, wearing the correct personal protective equipment (PPE), and being informed about how an operator could lose control of a chainsaw. The main goal of this training is to inform chainsaw operators at The Barking Company to practice situational awareness and answer the questions – “am I exercising sound judgment” and “am I cognizant of my coworkers and the public?” Other modules created in the future will include information on how to stay safe while making different types of cuts with a chainsaw.

The four learning objectives listed above outline what the learner will be able to do once the course is completed.

This scenario-based knowledge check puts the learner in a real-world hazardous situation that happens to many operators.

The Process

Analysis

A needs analysis was conducted to begin the process of creating this course. I consulted with one subject matter expert (SME) from The Barking Company to collect information about safety concerns while operating a chainsaw. We agreed that a scenario-based eLearning experience would meet the learning goals of decreasing utility workers' injuries while operating a chainsaw on a job site.

Design

A design document and storyboard were created and presented to the subject matter expert (SME) for review. In this phase, a prototype was created, and various iterations were made before moving on to the next step of the process.

Develop

In the development phase of the process, the alpha and beta versions were created using Storyline 360. There were several iterations during the alpha and beta versions, which led to a completed gold version.

Implement

The end product was distributed to all utility workers at The Barking Company who use a chainsaw daily. This training is a requirement for all chainsaw operators to complete before working in the field.

Evaluate

Information was collected on every aspect of the training, and the data will be used to improve future projects. After completing this course, chainsaw operators at The Barking Company must take further training on how to stay safe while adequately making different types of cuts with a chainsaw.