Citation

Wallen ES, Mulloy KB. J. Saf. Res. 2006; 37(5): 461-467.

Affiliation

VA Puget Sound Health Care System, 1600 S. Columbian Way, Seattle, WA 98108, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, U.S. National Safety Council, Publisher Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.jsr.2006.08.003

PMID

17137597

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Computer-based safety training is becoming more common and is being delivered to an increasingly aging workforce. Aging results in a number of changes that make it more difficult to learn from certain types of computer-based training. Instructional designs derived from cognitive learning theories may overcome some of these difficulties. METHODS: Three versions of computer-based respiratory safety training were shown to older and younger workers who then took a high and a low level learning test. RESULTS: Younger workers did better overall. Both older and younger workers did best with the version containing text with pictures and audio narration. DISCUSSION: Computer-based training with pictures and audio narration may be beneficial for workers over 45 years of age. IMPACT ON INDUSTRY: Computer-based safety training has advantages but workers of different ages may benefit differently. Computer-based safety programs should be designed and selected based on their ability to effectively train older as well as younger learners.

Language: en