News

Training Tools Spotlight: T.S.O.F.

by Jim Lorrigan, Safety Manager

We all know that simply telling someone how to do a task does not replace real, hands-on experience. Training goes beyond telling. There is a proper procedure for high quality training, and following it is vital in our company and our industry.

There are four main parts of this procedure. It doesn’t matter if you’re training a seasoned employee or a new hire, or whether you’re training 20 employees or one; just remember “T.S.O.F.”

Tell

Tell the employee what the task is.

Show

Show the employee how to perform the task.

Observe

Watch the employee as he or she performs what you demonstrated.

Feedback

Telling the employee how he or she did is critical. Feedback should be positive and constructive.

Training following the T.S.O.F. procedure should begin on an employee’s first day. After 30 days of employment, a performance review is an excellent tool for gauging what the employee has learned and what still needs to be learned through training. Employees themselves should use these performances reviews to their advantage.

Often we neglect quality training. We get so focused on starting up a new contract, for example, that we decide to take a few shortcuts. But taking shortcuts can result in new employees injuring themselves or a fellow crew member. Safety is the single most important reason a quality training process is necessary. Whether you are a crew foreman, general foreman, safety supervisor, or something else, the quality of training you provide matters.

Regardless of title or rank, all Wright Tree Service employees need to understand the importance of proper training procedures and work hard to ensure themselves and their coworkers are trained properly. It could make the difference between life and death, and it starts with four steps: T.S.O.F.