 WORK IN PROGRESS This page is currently being updated. We thank you for your patience during this process.Corporate and Business ServicesOH&S Training DVDS:One of the biggest issues facing businesses today is the increased focus on workplace safety. All workplaces are different and it is sometimes impossible to get a ready-made video or DVD to suit your workplace. Producing a specialized DVD/Video, customized to your business needs, is a more effective way of getting your OH&S messages to new and existing staff, as well as visitors to your site, and is cost effective at the same time. The following information is a guide to help show you the benefits of producing a DVD/video for your workplace.Why produce a DVD or Video?It is the responsibility of all employers to educate their employees in all aspects of OH&S policy in their workplace. This is usually done using a combination of training personnel. Disadvantages of using these methods are that staff members or visitors find it difficult to fully understand the information that is being conveyed to them and often the training is hurried and incomplete. A customized DVD demonstrating OH&S procedures, used in conjunction with other training methods, is a simpler more effective method of reinforcing your OH&S procedures. It also has the benefit of helping to ensure uniformity in the message you put out.
Cost effectiveNot only is a DVD more effective in demonstrating OH&S procedures but it can be cost effective as well. Training is often left to managers or key personnel, taking them away from their normal daily activities. Worse still, it can lead to the rushing of the process resulting with the procedures not been adequately covered. By having a DVD/Video you can greatly reduce the time or in some cases eliminate the time lost by these key personnel.See also Price Guides.How much will it cost?The cost of production may not be as high as you think. Experience has shown us that the budget businesses have for these productions is not high, so we have devised a method of producing low cost quality productions. By utilizing staff and assets you have in your business you can dramatically reduce production costs. Starting with the scripting, most companies have their OH&S procedures written up in some form and these can be adapted to form the basis of a script. Add to this using your workplace as a location and staff as the presenters and actors, and you are well on the way to minimizing the production costs as well as providing the feeling of inclusiveness in your staff. If you have a bigger budget and wish to do so, the production can be enhanced using professional scriptwriters, presenters and voiceovers.Types of DVD productions.Generally there are two main types of DVDs used in businesses explaining OH&S procedures and they are:1) General OH&S DVD (sometimes combined with general induction). This DVD covers all the aspects of OH&S in the work environment. Topics covered include Personal Protection Gear, use of designated walkways and no go zones, forklift procedures etc. By adding a welcoming message, from the CEO or another appropriate person, along with information about the history of the business and what it does, results in a comprehensive induction video. 2) Specialized OH&S DVD. This DVD is usually produced to help overcome a particular problem area. It generally goes through (in detail) the cause of the problem and procedures put in place to eradicate it. It can be used with other training material or as a stand-alone product. What should we do first?Ensure all relevant topics are identified; this is the key to an effective OH&S DVD. There is nothing worse than producing a great looking DVD and having someone point out at the final viewing that an important issue has been overlooked. Organize a meeting of all the key stakeholders to ensure that all the issues that need to be covered are identified. When done consult your production company to discuss how best to incorporate the information into a DVD package and also to discuss costing and delivery.Other production TipsWith the work environment ever changing it is a challenge to keep a DVD production looking fresh and up to date. During production there are a number of methods to allow you to use your DVD longer. Examples are: during scripting avoid dates, be general rather than absolute, eg do not use “In 2007 there were 5 workplace injuries at our Clyde site” use instead “Last year there were 5 workplace injuries at our Clyde site”. Always film in your newest location with the latest PPE gear and avoid filming in a site or using equipment due to be replaced. Use staff that have been there long term and also have all participants sign permission notices.Most companies have OH&S procedures in folders in which whole sections can easily be updated or new topics added. Why not plan your DVD in the same way? With a menu DVD, the menu can act as a contents page with links to separate short movies on each topic. This will save on having to produced the whole DVD every time you need a change made and updating only what needs updating or even adding new topics. One movie DVDs can also be updated as well but can have limitations, replacing old out of date footage with new footage is easily done but it sometimes can be difficult to change part of a voice over particularly if the per son that did read it is no longer available. The golden rule here is to ensure that your production company keeps a full archive of the project so that future changes can be made. Blue Lizard Productions fully achieves all its corporate productions. See also How To Make a DVD. The WebIf you have an OH&S Procedures on an intranet or the web why not add your instructional movies to it. Any DVD or movie that Blue Lizard produces can be converted into a web compatible movie. Simply supply your web providers with movie files ready to be loaded. Check with your IT people or web providers before commencing any production for any limitations which your system may have playing movies. Movies need to be compressed for the web and too much compression can detract from the play back quality of the movie.ConclusionWe hope the information supplied on this page has been of help though it is only a small part of the production process. Blue Lizard Productions will be happy to discuss any ideas or further questions in person, by phone or email.
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