Industry is a diverse and constantly evolving sector. Whether it’s a production line, packaging plant, machine shop or laboratory, in addition to efficient processes and modern technology one thing unites all industrial work: maintaining skills levels.
Good training and induction is not just a formality, but a long-term investment in smooth everyday life, safety and quality of production. Properly implemented employee induction is an essential part of the whole human resources management toolbox.
Safety and quality come from knowledge
In many industries, the working environment can be physically demanding and involve safety risks: moving machinery, chemicals, high temperatures, electricity or pressure.
That’s why employees need to know, among other things:
- work safety guidelines
- correct use of equipment
- the importance of protective equipment
- basic principles of quality assurance
- environmental responsibility and regulatory requirements
Knowing these things should not be left to chance. It must be ensured that every employee receives appropriate on-the-job training and that this information is regularly updated as part of ongoing staff training.
Certified quality requires documented competence
In many cases, training and induction practices in industrial enterprises are also subject to different regulatory requirements. We have listed below the key directives, laws and ISO standards that guide knowledge management and staff development:
ISO 10015 – Staff training in quality management
This standard focuses specifically on the design, delivery and evaluation of training. It helps organisations to ensure that training is consistent and supports strategic and operational objectives.
ISO 9001 – Quality management system
The ISO 9001 quality management standard requires that staff are competent and that the organisation continuously assesses and develops their skills. This applies particularly to those who influence the final outcome of products or services.
ISO 45001 – Health and safety at work
The standard, which focuses on managing safety at work, requires that workers have sufficient skills to identify hazards and act safely. Training and induction are key tools in risk management.
Occupational Safety Act (738/2002)
The Finnish Occupational Safety Act obliges employers to ensure that employees receive adequate induction, instruction and training for their tasks. This applies both when starting a new job and when changing tasks or equipment.
Machinery Directive (2006/42/EC)
The European Union Machinery Directive stipulates that workers must have adequate training in the safe use, maintenance and emergency preparedness of machinery. This applies in particular to those working on production lines and in machine shops.
EC 852/2004 – Food hygiene and hygiene competence
In the food industry, workers are required to have proven hygiene skills. In Finland, this is implemented through a certificate of hygiene competence, which is a legal requirement for those handling non-prepackaged perishable food.
Can skills keep pace with technological developments?
The level of automation in industry is inexorably increasing. New equipment, software and control systems are constantly being introduced, opening up new opportunities but also creating new skills requirements.
When machines are modernised or processes modernised, workers cannot be left alone with new technology. Training is needed to cover not only the technology but also the practical steps and potential risks. At the same time, it is worth ensuring that training materials are easy to find and up-to-date, and not, for example, gathering dust in a folder on a shelf in the coffee room.
Developing professional skills is an ongoing process that requires flexible solutions. Staff training can help to ensure that skills keep pace with change.
Digital learning environments provide certainty and continuity
Traditional staff training can be cumbersome to organise, especially if shifts change or staff turnover is frequent. In such cases, digital learning platforms such as Priima learning platform, make this possible:
- learning independent of time and place
- the use of different language versions and visual content
- monitoring the progress of training and ensuring competence
- rapid updating of materials as policies change
Priima supports organisations in planning training and skills development in a long-term and flexible way. Companies can create a coherent induction plan that works for both new entrants and experienced employees, regardless of department.
When you have the right skills, the whole process works better
In industry, competitiveness is not just about investing in equipment or line speed. It comes from every worker knowing how to work safely, efficiently and with quality.
Well-structured induction and continuous staff development are essential investments for business. When done right, they pay for themselves in reduced errors, improved safety and increased employee engagement.
Would you like to discuss more about using Priima in your specific industry environment?
