8 - "The 5 Essential Safety Trainings Every Company Must Have (Are You Missing One?)"

Have you ever been asked, "What safety training do we have to do?" While all safety training is important, some are absolutely essential. Whether you’re an employer, manager, or safety professional, knowing the core safety trainings your company must implement is critical to keeping employees safe and staying compliant with OSHA regulations. In this guide, we’ll cover the four essential safety trainings that every company should have, plus one bonus training that often gets overlooked but is just as crucial. 1. Emergency Action Plan (EAP) Training The foundation of any safety program starts with an Emergency Action Plan (EAP). Every workplace should have a clear, well-communicated plan that prepares employees for emergencies. This includes: Fire Preparedness – Knowing fire extinguisher locations, fire alarm sounds, and designated evacuation routes. Severe Weather Protocols – Addressing hurricanes, tornadoes, and earthquakes where applicable. Active Shooter Preparedness – Ensuring employees know what to do in case of an emergency. Chemical Releases – Understanding evacuation protocols based on wind direction and chemical exposure risks. Breaking these topics into smaller training sessions can help reinforce their importance without overwhelming employees. A well-implemented EAP can make the difference between chaos and a controlled response in a crisis. 2. Hazard Communication (HazCom) Training Hazard communication training (HazCom) ensures that employees understand the chemicals they work with and how to handle them safely. This training should include: Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and chemical inventory awareness. Proper labeling and signage for hazardous materials. Personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements for handling chemicals. Safe chemical storage and disposal methods. HazCom training is not optional—it’s an OSHA requirement under the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS). Employees have the right to know what chemicals they are exposed to and how to protect themselves. 3. Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) Training Many companies make the mistake of only training maintenance workers on Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), but everyone in the facility should have at least an awareness-level understanding of LOTO procedures. LOTO training prevents serious injuries by ensuring that employees know how to: Recognize when equipment is locked out. Understand the importance of never removing someone else’s lock. Identify who is authorized to perform lockout procedures. Follow proper shutdown and startup procedures. Every piece of equipment should have specific LOTO procedures, and employees need to be familiar with them. Even a basic awareness of LOTO can prevent dangerous mistakes and potential fatalities. 4. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Training Wearing the right Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is vital to workplace safety, but employees should never have to guess what’s required. A proper PPE training program should cover: General PPE Requirements – Safety glasses, steel-toe boots, gloves, and hard hats. Task-Specific PPE – Respirators, specialized gloves, and fall protection gear. Proper Use and Maintenance – How to store, clean, and replace PPE. A great way to reinforce PPE rules is by using visual guides in work areas. Clear signage with pictures of required PPE ensures compliance and reduces confusion. BONUS: Accident Response Training (Are You Missing This One?) Most companies cover first aid, CPR, and AED training, but very few offer Accident Response Training for supervisors and employees. This training ensures that workers know exactly what to do when an injury occurs, including: Reporting all accidents and injuries immediately. Understanding the company's reporting system (QR codes, paper forms, digital platforms, etc.). Ensuring injured employees receive medical care. Investigating incidents to prevent future accidents. Accident response training should be separate from first aid training and conducted at least once a year. Employees should never hesitate or wonder what to do when an injury happens. Final Thoughts If you want to create a safer workplace and avoid costly OSHA violations, start with these five essential safety trainings. Having well-documented, regularly scheduled training sessions can protect your team and your business from unnecessary risks. Need help preparing for an OSHA audit? Download our FREE OSHA Audit Checklist at HelpWithOSHA.com to ensure your company is fully compliant and ready for any inspection. Until next time, remember: No one should get hurt at work!