The Safety Audit/Data Analysis Program has been a crucial initiative within University Health for many years, aimed at ensuring workplace safety through effective data collection and analysis. Historically, multiple data collection systems were piloted, yet when Saeed became Safety Manager, the process relied heavily on a content management system (CMS) that proved inadequate, resulting in a dual reliance on Excel for tracking. This inefficiency consumed much of the safety staff’s time in gathering, organizing, and reporting data.

Recognizing these challenges, Saeed posed a pivotal question: “Is there a better way?” This inquiry opened the door for me to engage deeply with Saeed and the safety team, gaining insights into their frustrations and aspirations for an improved tracking system, particularly in monitoring non-compliance durations.

Utilizing my Excel skills, I undertook a comprehensive update of their tracking log. However, I soon faced a significant challenge: the standard Excel formulas did not accurately reflect the data needed for effective reporting. Drawing on my understanding of communication theory, particularly the concept of message construction, I tailored specific equations to align with Saeed’s objectives. This approach exemplifies how effective communication involves not just transmitting information but understanding the underlying message and adapting it to meet the audience’s needs.

Effective data tracking is essential for guiding organizational decision-making, particularly in Emergency Management, where timely and accurate incident response is critical. Traditionally, the Emergency Management team devoted the entire month of December to compile incident reports, categorize types of incidents, and prepare for annual accreditation. This labor-intensive process not only consumed valuable time but also raised questions about the utility of the data being collected. What insights could be derived from this data, and how could it inform improvements in response strategies?

Recognizing the opportunity for enhancement, I decided to apply the successful strategies I implemented with the Safety Audit/Data Analysis Program to Emergency Management’s incident reporting process. I began by actively listening to the senior managers’ challenges in compiling and analyzing accurate data. Through collaborative discussions, we identified key categories that would provide meaningful insights for their reporting needs.

Leveraging my advanced Excel skills, I developed an automated tracking system that streamlined the entire process. Emergency Management personnel can now log incidents and attach relevant reports, with the system automatically calculating, sorting, and presenting the data. This shift from manual compilation to automation not only saves time but also enhances the clarity and accessibility of the information.

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly transformed the landscape of teaching and training, necessitating a shift towards online learning modules. Within this context, the Hazmat Program for a Level 1 Trauma Center plays a critical role in ensuring that Emergency Room staff are equipped to provide care during hazardous materials incidents. My initial role involved instructing in-person classes, but as I progressed through my Bachelor of Communication, I recognized the importance of adapting training methodologies to enhance retention and comprehension.

Understanding that effective training is not merely about transmitting information, I sought to create a more engaging and responsive program. The challenges of a post-COVID environment—staffing shortages, burnout, and limited time for training—prompted the Associate Executive Director of Emergency Management, my boss, to implement Mach-5 training videos. The objective of these videos is to deliver concise, topic-specific training in five minutes or less, facilitating both individual and team learning that can be incorporated into monthly unit or departmental meetings.

As I was redesigning the Hazmat Program, I proposed to my boss the creation of several Mach-5 videos focused on hazmat training. This involved developing content using PowerPoint and recording voiceovers for my presentations, which were then exported as MP4 files. To further enhance accessibility and facilitate ongoing learning, I created a dedicated webpage for the Hazmat Program, housing the collection of Mach-5 videos (as shown to the right). This resource allows staff to engage with training materials at their convenience, thus accommodating their busy schedules.

Throughout this process, I applied key principles of learning theory, which emphasizes that when learners are empowered to guide their own learning experiences, retention and understanding are significantly improved. The effectiveness of this approach was demonstrated by a noticeable reduction in injuries and improper responses to hazmat situations among the Emergency Room staff.

The creation of Mach-5 videos not only streamlined the training process but also fostered a culture of continuous improvement and proactive learning. Below are two example videos of the Mach-5 series on HazMat Operations that I developed using my boss’s template.

In summary, my contributions to the redesign of the Hazmat Training Program exemplify the intersection of communication theory and practical training methodologies. By leveraging technology, understanding learner needs, and fostering a flexible learning environment, I successfully enhanced the effectiveness of hazmat training for Emergency Room staff.