Work zones present significant risks for both workers and motorists, with statistics indicating that crashes in these areas caused more than two fatalities per day in 2021, according to the Federal Highway Administration. Recognizing the urgent need to reduce such incidents, Flagger Force, a leading short-term traffic control company, has implemented innovative measures to prioritize safety. By leveraging microlearning technology and a behavior-based safety program, Flagger Force is successfully improving safety outcomes and cultivating a Safety-Driven® culture. Let’s look at the impact of microlearning on safety training within the company and the highlights of its industry-leading approach.
The Power of Microlearning in Work Zone Safety:
Flagger Force understands that safety training must be mobile, flexible, and accessible to effectively engage its field teams working in locations across the eastern United States. Microlearning, with its concise and targeted mobile-first content, proves to be a game-changer in this regard. By providing short bursts of training material, microlearning ensures compliance, offers ease of delivery, enables measurement, and enhances accessibility through mobile devices. Luke Lazar, Flagger Force’s vice president of risk and safety, emphasizes that microlearning is instrumental in combating risk normalization, allowing employees to engage with the training content in less than five minutes.
Addressing Crucial Safety Topics:
Flagger Force has harnessed the power of microlearning to address vital safety concerns, such as injury rates, work zone observations, and fleet safety performance. The company partners with EduMe, internally branded as FF Learn, to seamlessly integrate the microlearning platform with its internal communications app, In The Zone (ITZ), powered by BeeKeeper. By consolidating all resources in one location, employees can conveniently access training materials, fostering a culture of continuous learning and awareness.
Industry-Leading Adoption Rates:
An effective training program is only valuable if it is widely embraced by the workforce. Flagger Force achieved an impressive adoption rate of 90% within the first year, a remarkable feat considering that participation in the training is voluntary. This high adoption rate underscores the success of Flagger Force’s microlearning approach and reflects the unwavering commitment of its employees to prioritize safety.
Driving Safety Improvement:
Since implementing the behavior-based safety program, Flagger Force is trending toward positive improvements in its overall company safety score. By providing personalized coaching and training based on individual driving behaviors, the program has positively impacted driver performance and enhanced safety outcomes. The integration of in-cab video technology has enabled the monitoring of driving behaviors, enabling proactive intervention and fostering a safety-conscious mindset among employees.
Industry Statistics Validate the Need:
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, in 2021, there were 1,649 work zone crashes resulting in 16 fatalities. These alarming statistics underscore the critical importance of implementing a strategic and consistent approach to employee education and training. Flagger Force’s microlearning curriculum plays a crucial role in engaging and empowering its dispersed, deskless workforce with essential safety knowledge tailored to their daily operations.
Expanding Training Initiatives:
Looking to the future, Flagger Force aims to broaden its training program by incorporating content from additional departments. By doing so, Flagger Force seeks to create a comprehensive and well-rounded learning experience beyond safety and touches all parts of the Flagger Force culture. And that’s when microlearning starts to have a macro impact!
