Supervisor training course is popular choice

By George Mauzy

When Ohio University's Department of Environmental and Health Safety decided to offer a supervisor training course with an emphasis on safety, it didn't realize the positive impact it would have.

"This class was an excellent course in how to be a positive supervisor," said Susan Calhoun, landscape coordinator. "It was extremely informative and gave me some important tips and reminders that I will always use."

The 10-week course is designed for entry and lower-level supervisors and focuses on teaching participants skills in delegating, problem solving, confronting workplace issues and how to serve as both a coach and mentor to their employees. Accident prevention and behavioral safety management are other important topics covered in the course.

"We all felt great about the course," said Jeffry White, grounds supervisor. "It was the best one I have ever taken and I believe the University should make sure all supervisors take it as soon as possible."

Last summer with the help of PMC Consulting of Dublin, Ohio, Ohio University Interim Director of Environmental Health and Safety Chuck Hart conducted the course for the fourth time in three quarters and he has received nothing but positive feedback.

"There was a terrible need for a course like this," Hart said. "Because many injuries at the workplace can be avoided, every supervisor and employee needs to be thinking safety in everything they do. Ideally, we hope this course is only the beginning of their safety management training."

For more information, contact the department of Environmental Health and Safety at (740) 593-1666 or visit the EHS Web site.

George Mauzy is a media specialist with University Communications and Marketing.