Training coordinators fear bad economies because they know their departments are one of the first ones to see cutbacks. With slashed funding they still have to provide mandatory training such as 40 hr HAZWOPER. There are ways to keep employees trained and safe, meet government guidelines, and still stay on budget.

What Training Can Be Cut?

With fewer resources available, managers have to be smart about spending. When a department sees budget reductions it is time to evaluate all costs and decide what can be cut.  In a training division that means reducing course frequency or canceling some courses entirely.

Evaluate training programs and decide which are critical and which are optional. 40 hr HAZWOPER is something that companies have little leeway in. OSHA requires the training for employees conducting certain duties so it is unlikely it can be reduced. Not only that but 40 hr HAZWOPER is a matter of employee safety and that is one area that it would be foolish to cut.

On the other hand, most organizations' training rosters are filled with other classes that are useful for long term employee development but aren't critical for day to day operations. Suspending training on subjects like diversity or organizational skills for a few months is a way to free up money for vital courses.

Think Outside The Box

There may not be many optional courses to cut and some companies lack the budget to manage the 40 hr HAZWOPER training they need. In those cases it's time to look for creative solutions.

Training providers are willing to work with clients to find ways for them to meet their needs. They might offer discounts at certain times of year and you could arrange your HAZWOPER training to take advantage of lower prices. Many offer group discounts so sending employees in teams rather than one at a time will save money.

Consult with managers of other departments. Training coordinators have been able to keep their departments going by requiring other departments which haven't had their budgets cut so much to subsidize some or all of the cost.

Training Is Still Necessary

Never skip 40 hr HAZWOPER training. You might save a little money in the short run but the consequences can be dire. Federal penalties for improperly trained workers are substantial. If your business does experience a hazardous waste incident, lack of training can turn a minor spill into a major event with all the associated expenses, civil actions and negative media.

Think about the message canceling safety training sends to your employees. When you stop HAZWOPER courses you are telling your workers that safety isn't important enough to pay for. That reduces morale plus seriously undermines the safety culture you have worked to build.

Budget cuts don't have to spell the end of your training department. Evaluate the program, work with other managers, and come up with creative ideas to keep HAZWOPER training funded.