An Evaluation of Safety Training for a Diverse Disaster Response Workforce: The Case of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill.

Sue Ann Sarpy,Michael J Burke

doi:10.3390/ejihpe11040116

Abstract

(1) Background: In this case study, we examined the safety-training-related experiences of individuals from six racial-ethnic groups (Asians (Vietnamese), Blacks, Hispanics, Isleños, Native Americans, and Whites) involved in the cleanup of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. (2) Methods: We assessed, via a survey, 495 disaster response trainees’ reactions to the design and delivery of training, learning, safety performance, and injury and illness experience. (3) Results: Our results showed statistically significant racial-ethnic group differences with respect to reactions to training, components of learning (i.e., cognitive, skill, and affective), and safety performance (i.e., use of personal protective equipment, engaging in safe work practices, communicating of safety information, and exercising employee rights and responsibilities). In general, Asians and Isleños group members had lower reactions to training, self-reported learning, and safety performance. Additionally, we found that the safety climate interacted with learning to positively affect safety performance. (4) Conclusions: We discuss the implications of our findings for improving the quality of safety training in relation to addressing language and literacy concerns, developing training that is useful and engaging for volunteer and other cleanup workers from the contaminated region, and promoting a positive safety climate to enhance training transfer.

Highlights

High profile disasters such as the Exxon Valdez oil spill, Hurricane Katrina, and Deepwater Horizon oil spill have forced U.S public officials, agencies, and accrediting entities to scrutinize disaster planning
(3) Results: Our results showed statistically significant racial-ethnic group differences with respect to reactions to training, components of learning, and safety performance
Training evaluation framework; cognitive, affective, and skill-based components of learning [19]; and general dimensions of safety performance concerning the use of personal protective equipment, engagement in safe work practices, communication of safety information, and exercise of one’s rights and responsibilities [21]

Summary

Introduction

High profile disasters such as the Exxon Valdez oil spill, Hurricane Katrina, and Deepwater Horizon oil spill have forced U.S public officials, agencies, and accrediting entities to scrutinize disaster planning This close examination has focused heavily on the preparation of workers for handling disasters and cleaning up in the wake of disasters [1–4]. The literature on the effectiveness of safety training for disaster cleanup workers is largely comprised of narrative reports of “lessons learned” and summaries of observations of cleanup workers [3,4,6] This point is notable, as over 15 years ago, the U.S Executive Office of the President & United States [4] called for improvements in safety training for disaster cleanup workers and emphasized that “ .

Methods

Discussion

Conclusion