Supervisor Training: A Promising Approach to Addressing Impairment in the Workplace

OBJECTIVE: This study presents a pilot evaluation of a new online training program created to improve supervisors’ ability to protect worker safety by recognizing and responding to signs of impairment from diverse causes. METHODS: The study design relied on a mixed-methods approach with two waves of surveys and interviews immediately after training completion and after 3 months to gauge changes in participants’ perceived knowledge and competencies. RESULTS: Participants had a positive reaction to training and found it relevant to their job responsibilities and aligned with existing organizational safety programs, practices, and policies. There was statistically significant improvement in perceived impairment knowledge and competencies. The study also provided early indications of training transfer. CONCLUSIONS: The study offers encouraging results that may be used to improve the impairment recognition and response training for supervisors and support future investigations of its impact.