Industrial emergency response training: an assessment of long-term impact of a union-based program.
BACKGROUND
The long-term impact of the United Automobile Workers' (UAW) Industrial Emergency Response Training on health and safety conditions and practices in plants is described. Two strategies are combined in this 24-hour training: the use of peer (worker) trainers and a participant-centered approach, the Small Group Activity Method (SGAM).


METHODS
Impact was assessed through a telephone survey of 67 trainees conducted on average 16.8 months post-training.


RESULTS
74% of trainees reported using at least one of the provided written training materials after training. Of those reporting an accident in their facility after training, 88% said it was handled differently because of training. Trainees report that peer-trainers are more knowledgeable and communicate better than do other types of trainers. Trainees also reported that SGAM made training more applicable to their workplace. 98.5% of trainees like the methods utilized.


CONCLUSIONS
Worker-trainers and SGAM are effective training methods enhancing the long-term impact of union-based workplace health and safety training programs.
Fernandez
J A
JA
Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA. jafernan@umich.edu
Daltuva
J A
JA
Robins
T G
TG
D000328:Adult; D001336:Automobiles; D004638:Emergency Treatment; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007750:Labor Unions; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016272:Occupational Health; D010379:Peer Group; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods*; D014481:United States