To be effective, the Approaching Others About Safety (AOAS) training program at BNSF Railway should incorporate the following instructional characteristics:

• Active learning: Employees should be actively engaged in the learning process, rather than passively listening to a lecture. This can be achieved through hands-on activities, simulations, and group discussions.
• Relevance: The training should be relevant to the employees’ specific job duties and the hazards they face. For example, train crew members should receive training on the safe operation of trains and the prevention of accidents, while employees who maintain track, structures, or signals should receive training on the safe handling of hazardous materials and the prevention of derailments.
• Feedback: Employees should receive feedback on their performance during the training and after they return to work. This will help them to identify their strengths and weaknesses, and to improve their safety skills.
• Repetition: Key safety concepts should be repeated throughout the training program and reinforced on the job. This will help employees to remember and apply these concepts in the workplace.

Differentiation for Different Job Duties

The instructional characteristics of the AOAS training program may vary depending on the job duties of the employees attending the program. For example, managers may need more training on how to create a culture of safety in the workplace and to investigate accidents. Train crew members may need more training on the safe operation of trains and the prevention of accidents. Employees who maintain track, structures, or signals may need more training on the safe handling of hazardous materials and the prevention of derailments.

Here are some specific examples of how the training could be differentiated for different job duties:

• Managers: The training for managers could focus on topics such as safety leadership, hazard identification and risk assessment, and accident investigation. Managers could also be given the opportunity to practice these skills through simulations and role-playing exercises.
• Train crew members: The training for train crew members could focus on topics such as safe train operation, accident prevention, and emergency response. Train crew members could also be given the opportunity to practice these skills through simulations and hands-on training.
• Employees who maintain track, structures, or signals: The training for employees who maintain track, structures, or signals could focus on topics such as safe handling of hazardous materials, track safety, and signal safety. These employees could also be given the opportunity to practice these skills through simulations and hands-on training.

Benefits of a Community of Practice (COP)

A community of practice (COP) is a group of people who share a common interest or goal. COPs can be beneficial for safety training programs in a number of ways, including:

• Promoting knowledge sharing and learning: COPs provide a forum for employees to share their knowledge and experiences with each other. This can help employees to learn new things and to improve their safety skills.
• Building relationships and trust: COPs can help employees to build relationships and trust with each other. This can make it easier for employees to approach each other about safety concerns.
• Providing support and encouragement: COPs can provide support and encouragement to employees who are struggling with safety issues. This can help employees to stay motivated and to make positive changes in their behavior.

To be effective, a COP for the AOAS training program should be voluntary and open to all employees. The COP should also be facilitated by a trained facilitator who can help to ensure that the group is productive and that all members have a voice.

Conclusion

By incorporating the instructional characteristics and COP described above, the AOAS training program at BNSF Railway can help to improve employee safety skills and reduce injuries and accidents.