Across industries, EHS leaders are being asked to do more: reduce incident rates, ensure compliance, engage employees and prove the ROI of safety initiatives. Yet, many still rely on outdated, one-size-fits-all training programs that no longer meet today’s expectations. According to the 2024 State of Safety Training Survey by EHS Today, that approach is quickly becoming obsolete. The findings point to a clear conclusion: blended learning, driven by digital tools and online EHS learning, is now a foundational component of effective safety programs.
The Shift Toward Blended Learning
If your organization still relies exclusively on classroom-style instruction or paper-based manuals, it's likely time to modernize. Over 90% of safety professionals agree that combining multiple forms of learning, such as instructor-led sessions, online modules, videos and interactive tools, creates a more engaging and effective experience. In fact, the use of eLearning in safety programs has grown by 350% since 2019.
Blended learning improves comprehension and knowledge retention by offering multiple ways to absorb information. It allows employees to revisit key topics on demand, digest information at their own pace and apply what they’ve learned in real-world settings. When safety knowledge is reinforced regularly and made relevant, it leads to meaningful behavior change.
Overcoming Roadblocks with Digital Tools
Implementing a strong safety training program isn’t without its challenges. There are three major roadblocks that often hinder progress:
- Low employee engagement
- Limited access to fresh, relevant content
- Lack of buy-in from leadership
This is where EHS online training platforms shine. Online learning offers a scalable solution for delivering consistent, up-to-date content across departments and locations. Interactive formats such as scenario-based videos and quizzes boost engagement by making learning feel active instead of passive. And the reporting features built into most learning management systems (LMS) allow EHS leaders to track completions, measure comprehension and connect training efforts directly to reduced incident rates.
Companies that are doing this well are seeing results. SambaSafety's 2024 Efficacy Study found that companies that integrate driver monitoring with eLearning can reduce violations by an average of 77% within the first 12 months.
Responding to Driver Risk with Targeted eLearning
For organizations with drivers on the road, whether in fleet vehicles or personal cars used for business, timing is everything. When risky behavior and violations like speeding, harsh braking or distracted driving occur, a delayed response increases the chance of a repeat incident or costly claim. But delivering timely, targeted coaching across a large and geographically dispersed workforce is no small feat.
That’s where scalable, integrated eLearning platforms come into play. When an employee driver triggers a risk alert from tools like continuous driver monitoring, the system can automatically recommend a microlearning module aligned to that specific behavior. These short, focused courses are designed to educate in the moment, delivering just-in-time interventions that reinforce safer habits. Mastery-based learning ensures that drivers fully understand the material, often requiring a perfect score before moving on.
This helps correct risky behavior quickly while lightening the burden on managers, who can rely on online assignments to supplement in-person conversations. And because all training is logged within a centralized dashboard, it becomes easy to monitor completion, demonstrate accountability and support compliance documentation.
Closing Gaps in Training for Non-Owned Auto Drivers
As more companies shift away from large owned fleets and toward vehicle allowance programs, safety leaders are losing direct visibility and control over key risk factors. Personal vehicles used for business may vary in age, condition and safety features and can’t be equipped with telematics or dash cams. Despite this, the employees driving them still represent legal and financial risk to the organization. Yet these drivers are often left out of formal training efforts entirely.
This creates a dangerous inconsistency. If your organization offers robust safety training for drivers operating company vehicles but nothing comparable for non-regulated, non-owned auto drivers, it opens the door for claims of negligence. In the courtroom, inconsistency is often interpreted as a failure to meet the required standard of care.
By extending eLearning access to every employee who operates a vehicle on your behalf, you create a safety program that is inclusive and defensible.
Building a Culture of Continuous Education
A truly successful safety program requires building a culture of continuous learning where every employee feels responsible for protecting themselves and those around them.
eLearning platforms make it easy to assign onboarding content, schedule recurring refresher training and ensure that critical topics surrounding OSHA, defensive driving and distraction management are covered regularly. Even high-performing or tenured employees benefit from ongoing education, helping prevent complacency and maintain vigilance over time.
Learn How the Right Technology Can Transform Your Safety Culture
eLearning is an essential building block of modern EHS programs. The benefits are wide-reaching, from reducing incidents and closing training gaps to proving legal defensibility.
Whether you’re just beginning to modernize your training approach or looking to scale an existing program, now is the time to embrace the tools that will elevate your safety program. To learn more about leveraging the right risk management technology, download our free guide below.
