The use of the ‘Train-the-Trainer’ approach has shown the potential to vastly improve farm safety practices and the culture of those living and working on farms, which was a key finding of a PhD study conducted at the School of Psychology, University of Galway.
The study by Dr Aswathi Surendran at the University of Galway was completed as a component of the Teagasc Be Safe Behavioural Farm Safety research project, funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. A video on ‘Farm Vehicle Safety and Blind Spots’ was also launched by the Minister of State at the Department with special responsibility for Farm Safety, Martin Heydon TD.
Dr Denis O’Hora, study lead supervisor at University of Galway, explained that by empowering trainees, the ‘Train-the-Trainer’ model had the capacity to vastly increase knowledge transmission and adoption to more people in both a time and cost-effective way.
Dr O’Hora stated that the ‘Train-the-Trainer’ approach improves the practicality of training as it challenges the trainer to identify gaps in their own knowledge. He added that it proves the saying that ‘teaching is one of the best ways to learn’, with trainers also learn from their learners.
The ‘Train-the-Trainer’ approach also motivates trainers to adopt best practice themselves to avoid dissonance with knowledge and skills that they have imparted. Therefore, trainers can act as role models for learners and can provide ongoing supports to build a culture change.
He acknowledged that the ‘Train-the-Trainer’ approach has limitations, as it requires time and energy along with building and maintaining relations to allow this approach to work. In addition, strategies need to be put in place to ensure the fidelity of training.
In explaining the aim of the ‘Train-the-Trainer’ component of her PhD research, Dr Surendran said it was to equip farmers with the knowledge, skills and resources related to farm vehicle stopping distances and driver visibility blind spots to reach out to others on their farm.
Over the decade to 2023, farm vehicles have caused 44% of all farm fatalities, with vehicle speed and visibility due to blind spots being a major contributory factor.
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