Wes Watkins Technology Center Makes Workplace Safety Training Easier for Employers

Wes Watkins Technology Center Makes Workplace Safety Training Easier for Employers

The Riley Report | By Jerry Riley

An interview with Mike Lindley reveals how affordable online safety courses are helping businesses protect their employees and meet workplace training needs.

Every time I visit Wes Watkins Technology Center in Wetumka, Oklahoma, I come away impressed with the programs, equipment, and opportunities available to students, businesses, and the surrounding communities. It seems that every time I walk through the doors, I discover something new.

During my recent visit for the Sophomore Showcase, I had an opportunity to sit down with Mike Lindley, Director of Workforce and Economic Development (WED), to discuss a program that I believe deserves the attention of employers throughout our area.

While many people associate Wes Watkins with career and technical education for high school students, the technology center also provides valuable services to businesses and working adults.

Mike explained that his department offers short-term training programs designed to help employees improve their skills, receive industry-specific instruction, and meet workplace safety requirements.

One of the newer opportunities involves online workplace safety training, made available through a partnership with a company called Ed XL

Safety Training Without Leaving Your Workplace

What particularly caught my attention was how simple Wes Watkins has made the process for employers.

Businesses can visit the technology center’s website, select an appropriate safety course, enroll their employees, and complete the training online. Once the course is successfully completed, a certificate is made available.

There’s no need to schedule an appointment, travel to the campus, or even contact the technology center directly to get started.

Mike explained that the courses address common workplace safety concerns, including bloodborne pathogens, slips, trips and falls, and ladder safety.

These are practical subjects that employers need to consider when protecting their employees and maintaining a safe working environment.

How Much Does It Cost?

Naturally, one of my first questions concerned the cost.

Mike indicated that the online safety courses were approximately $39.50 per course, although that price is subject to change.

I also asked how long an employee would need to complete the training.

According to Mike, most courses take approximately one hour, although some may require a little more or less time depending on the subject.

Think about that for a moment.

For approximately $40 and an hour of an employee’s time, a business can provide valuable safety instruction and receive documentation of the completed training.

For many employers, particularly smaller businesses with limited time and resources, that convenience alone could make this program worth investigating.

Is This Just for Large Companies?

Another question I wanted answered was whether a business needed a certain number of employees to participate.

Mike explained that the program can accommodate businesses of virtually any size, from those with a single employee to companies employing hundreds or even thousands of people.

I also asked whether businesses must be located within the Wes Watkins Technology Center district.

His answer was particularly interesting.

Although the technology center primarily promotes its services within its district, these online courses can be accessed by employers throughout the United States.

That means this opportunity isn’t limited to businesses in Wetumka, Holdenville, Okemah, or our neighboring communities.

Understanding Employer Responsibilities

During our conversation, we also discussed workplace safety requirements.

Mike emphasized the importance of employees receiving appropriate instruction before performing tasks that could expose them to injury or other hazards.

Depending on the work being performed, employees may need training in safely operating equipment, handling materials, recognizing hazards, or responding to workplace emergencies.

It’s important for employers to understand that specific OSHA training requirements vary depending on the industry and the hazards involved. Completing an online course does not automatically satisfy every regulatory obligation, but these programs can be a useful part of an employer’s overall safety training efforts.

I would encourage business owners to take a few minutes to review the available courses and determine which ones might be appropriate for their employees.

Getting Started Is Simple

Mike walked me through the enrollment process, and it really is straightforward.

Visit the Wes Watkins Technology Center website, (www.wwtech.edu), navigate to the Short-Term Training section, and select Enroll Now.

From there, you’ll find information about courses offered on campus as well as those available online.

Employers can review the online safety training options, choose the appropriate courses, complete enrollment and payment, and have their employees begin the training.

Once the training is completed successfully, the corresponding certificate becomes available.

Another Example of Wes Watkins Serving Our Communities

One of the things I have come to appreciate about Wes Watkins Technology Center is that its mission extends well beyond the classroom.

Certainly, preparing young people for successful careers is an important part of what the technology center does. But helping existing businesses improve their operations, develop their workforce, and provide safer working environments is equally valuable.

And this online training opportunity is another example of that commitment.

I have often said that you can have the best product or service in the world, but if nobody knows about it, what good is it?

That’s one of the reasons I wanted to visit with Mike and share this information through The Riley Report.

There may be business owners watching our interview or reading this article who have no idea these services are available.

If you’re an employer, whether you have one employee or a hundred, I encourage you to explore what Wes Watkins Technology Center has to offer.

A small investment in employee training today could help prevent a much larger problem tomorrow.

I want to thank Mike Lindley for taking the time to visit with me and explain this program. I also want to recognize Wes Watkins Technology Center for its continuing efforts to serve our local communities and businesses.

I invite you to watch my complete interview with Mike Lindley here on The Riley Report, presented by YCCUON.

Until next time, I’m Jerry Riley. Thanks for joining me, and have a great day!