Operator Safety Series:
Frequently Asked Questions

The Equipment Operator Safety Series (OSS) training is focused on providing the most cost-effective and innovative training of this type. Training is available in almost all types of equipment that a utility or public works employee and/or contractor would operate while undertaking routine maintenance, rehabilitation or construction activities.

Who provides the Training? What is their experience?
Ground Force instructors are chosen primarily for their previous experience and training at the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering. Prior to acquiring their Instructor status on any given equipment or vehicle, they must have first mastered all aspects of its operation, thus guaranteeing extensive (i.e. 2000 hours) seat time and, under virtually any condition on earth. Ground Force instructors have substantial classroom instruction and lesson plan experience. They are among the best in their field of expertise and have an instinctive response to the changing safety and legislative landscape.

What are the benefits of Equipment Operator Safety Series Training?
The benefits of equipment operator training can flow through to all levels of an organization. Over time this type of training will ensure the objectives for due diligence and efficient maintenance of the corporate equipment inventory are met by:

• Developing training program documentation to meet Legislative Requirements (i.e. Occupational Health and Safety)
• Developing safe operators who are less prone to accidents
• Reducing wear or damage to equipment
• Reducing damage to private property
• Increasing maintenance activity productivity
• Increasing operator productivity

What does a typical program look like? How much classroom? How much ‘seat-time? Day 1 - Classroom/Theory
All equipment courses begin with a one day (approx. 7 hour) classroom course for all trainees at your location. This allows staff to begin the training process with minimal scheduling difficulties. Once classroom training has been completed, the task specific, site specific (practical) training is scheduled to meet your operational staff requirements.

Day 2, 3, 4 or 5 – Practical/Hands-on
This is the practical hands-on (i.e. seat time) portion of the training and is referred to as ‘active learning’ or learning by doing. Trainees will be provided many hours (see Table below) to practice the skills and information they are learning to maximize retention. Trainers will provide constructive feedback and reinforcement and relate training to job requirements. Trainees can immediately apply new knowledge and skills gained in the training session directly into their job environment.

What are the student/instructor and student/equipment ratios?
We want to make training as cost-effective and productive as possible. Our trainers want everyone to participate and learn. Unlike other training programs, there is no ‘shared’ equipment. Each student will have their own piece of equipment – supplied by your organization - for the entire training program. That is a ratio of 1:1 (student: equipment). Each group of 4 students will have their own instructor. That is a ratio of 4:1 (student: instructor) and is the best in the business! Students are there to learn in a positive adult learning environment and we make sure they do!

Where does the training take place?
We come to you! The training takes place in your area or Municipality within close proximity to your Operations Depot to avoid expensive transportation and accommodation costs.

How have the programs gone so far? What is the feedback?
All programs have been successfully implemented. Managers and students have been very pleased with the training and the overall response has been very positive. Here are a couple of the many responses that we received:

• “We heard that the Instructors were awesome! They knew their stuff, and taught it in such a way that it was clear and concise.”
Caroline Monsell, Training and Development Officer, City of Kawartha Lakes
• “We were very pleased, as you had predicted, and would not hesitate to use their services again.” Keith Wyville, Equipment Manager, City of Sarnia