Practical Application of Multimedia in Workplace Training in Western Australia

Richard Hewison*
Edith Cowan University
r.hewison@cowan.edu.au

In 1993 Arts Enterprise, the commercial arm of the Faculty of Arts of Edith Cowan University, was commissioned by the Building and Construction Industry Training Council of Western Australia to develop adult literacy materials for workers on the topic of occupational health and safety. All workers must receive safety induction training when beginning work on a new site, or as part of their training as tradespeople. The BCITC was concerned that training materials then available were inadequate. Government statistics showed a significant incidence of unsafe work practices, and a prime factor in this was insufficient safety training.
A further concern was the low levels of English literacy among sections of the workforce. Young workers, and even experienced ones, required assistance in comprehending texts relevant to their safety and health at work. There is also a significant proportion of the workforce in this industry who are from non-English speaking backgrounds who also require such assistance.
The result of developments over the past three and a half years is an interactive multimedia package comprising five modules on the topics of:
¥ The Occupational Safety and Health Act of Western Australia ¥ Safety Signs¥ Manual Handling¥ Sources of Hazard (2 Modules)There is also a Tutorial module on using the software as well as a Glossary of terms. The Glossary can be viewed in its entirety as a list of terms and definitions, or through hyperlinks from within the reading texts of the modules themselves.
The software takes the form of an interactive book. On each ÒpageÓ a worker can view a complete audiovisual presentation (text, graphics, animation and narration), or view or skip through the presentation in sections. Also available is the script of the narration, which a worker can hear and read along with, again either as a complete presentation or in sections. As mentioned above, the text is provided with hyperlinks to the Glossary for unfamiliar terms. Each module also features a 10-item multiple choice quiz, and a table of contents for referencing particular ÒpagesÓ within a module.
The aim of the modules is to enhance the traineeÕs comprehension of safety and health issues relevant to the workplace. The audiovisual presentation is used to familiarise the trainee with concepts and situations, and their associated terminology, providing a context for the texts of the narration.
The first pilot modules were available in December 1993 and trialed on two suburban construction sites in Perth. Favourable feedback from workers, supervisors and trainers has led to the commercial development of the five modules. The modules have been developed and refined over the past two years and trialed in industry training centres around Perth. The feedback from all parties has continued to be very positive. The modules are now seen as a valuable addition to the safety and health training resources of the building and construction industry, having the support of employers, unions and the workers themselves.
The software is now available as a commercial product, and is being distributed to training providers in WA.