Implementing a new induction programme should provide you with more than just a panacea for an inefficient process. As Safety and Health professionals, we need to be looking for systems that actively drive improvements to workplace safety, not just processes.

Today’s "smart" software takes into consideration what needs to be achieved, as well as how it is achieved. Nowhere is this more important that in workplace safety management. Thankfully some developers are taking this into account.

6 features to look for in a new Induction Programme:

1.Online hosting: There are a number of immediate benefits to both OHS administrators and inductees by having your induction programme hosted online.

a.You can induct employees and contractors before they arrive onsite

b.Inductees can complete their induction on their own time

c.You eliminate IT issues completely

d.No matter how large or fragmented your operations are, everyone is receiving a consistent safety message across the organisation

2.Reports: In order to maintain and continually improve your induction programme, it is essential to have access to all relevant information over an extended period of time. Make sure you are able to receive reports on everything from induction expiry dates and incomplete courses to question success/fail rates.

3. Flexibility: Many online induction programmes don’t give you the flexibility to create or edit your own course material. It is important that you always maintain control of your own course material.

4.Service: Just because you've chosen to use an online induction programme doesn't mean you need to sacrifice the value of real human support. Make sure you're dealing with a company that is prepared to help you through any issues you may have and help you improve your programme.

5.Industry Knowledge: There are a number of solutions on the market that are the result of software developing companies being aware of the need for such software, but not much more. Make sure you’re dealing with a company that actually understands the needs and challenges of Safety & Health professionals.

6.Robustness: Your company will have both specific and changing issues. Make sure you find an induction programme that can cater for your exact needs. Solutions that offer "Switch-on/switch-off" options are always much better suited to solving complex problems.

Where to look

In the UK, there are not a lot of options for Safety & Health professionals looking to take their induction programme online. But they do exist. The best place to start is by talking to professional colleagues or organisational bodies. You can also try a Google keyword search for "Induction Programme" or "Induction Training" and clicking on the Google Ad links. They are often right on the money!