An evaluation of Aveda Corporation's environmental and safety management system (ESMS) orientation/inudction training in an ISO 14001 framework

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Aveda Corporation’s Environmental and Safety Management System (ESMS) Orientation/Induction training for manufacturing operations employees at the Blaine, MN facility. The review of literature examined training evaluation models as well as mandatory and voluntary environmental, health and safety (EHS) training requirements. The review focused on Kirkpatrick’s (1998) four levels of evaluation, which include the measurement of learners’ reaction, learning, behavior changes and business results. Philip’s (1997) fifth level of evaluation, return on investment, and the importance of intangible results were also discussed. Surveys were distributed to manufacturing operations employees to measure perceived and actual knowledge in ten EHS areas as required by Aveda’s ESMS manual. Conclusions were based on the review of literature and survey results. Overall, results indicate that participants averaged from 91% to 95% on actual knowledge measurement questions. Results of perceived knowledge questions found that 92.1% of participants felt that they were very to extremely knowledgeable of the ESMS requirements. A significant gap was found between perceived and actual knowledge in the area of machine guarding. Although overall ESMS perceived and actual knowledge was good, room for improvement exists. Implementation of the recommended change may help to improve the ESMS Orientation/Induction training at Aveda.