180: On-the-job Training Issue
Definition/Typical Issues
Did the on-the-job training (OJT) fail to provide opportunities to learn the skills necessary to perform the job? Was OJT insufficient? Did OJT fail to cover unique and unusual situations or equipment to avoid surprising the operator later on? Were OJT trainers qualified to perform the training?
Examples
Example 1
- An operator made a mistake weighing material because of incorrect use of the scale. He had received classroom instruction but no on-the-job experience in using the scale even though OJT was required for the task.
Example 2
- Four furnaces were installed in a boiler house. They had each been installed at different times as the plant expanded. The control systems were similar but had significant differences. During OJT, the operator only operated two of the four furnaces even though a walkthrough was required to be performed on all four. As a result, the operator accidentally shut down one of the furnaces shortly after he was "qualified."
Example 3
- A clerk incorrectly entered a customized order into the computer. During OJT, the instructor had shown her the wrong way to perform the task.
Typical Recommendations
- Ensure that OJT consists of actually "doing" rather than only "watching."
- Match trainees with experienced personnel who can explain not only how to perform certain tasks, but also why certain tasks are performed.
- Ensure that OJT covers unique and unusual situations or equipment.
- Ensure that OJT addresses emergency operations.
- Instill a practice of challenging workers randomly with "what-if" scenarios and having them walk through their response.
Cross-References
| Version 10 Element(s) | |
|---|---|
| Node ID | Node Name |
| 175 | On-the-Job Training LTA |
| Maritime Element(s) | |
|---|---|
| Node ID | Node Name |
| 190 | On-the-job Training Issue |