“Fall” into Comprehensive Training

Learning during the fall season isn’t just for kids. It’s appropriate — and vital — to learn and take refresher courses to ensure old habits don’t pop up at the worst times. “Make it a point to check out our Training Calendar as well as our online resources to see what you and your staff can learn or review,” encourages Bill Hooker, PDRMA Training Program Supervisor.

1. Reasonable Suspicion Drug and Alcohol Training for Supervisors (Nov. 7, Dec. 3)
Substance abuse is a tricky workplace situation, compounded by privacy and legal concerns. And it becomes even trickier when marijuana becomes legal Jan. 1, 2020. This session addresses the balance of rights and responsibilities, provides guidance on reasonable suspicion, tips on observation and documentation, and an overview of legal and industry best practices.

2. Certificates of Insurance: What You Need to Know (Nov. 7, Dec. 11)
While you should frequently request certificates of insurance (COI) from outside contractors, groups and vendors, don’t let the process overwhelm you; it’s not as complicated as you might think. Learn COI terms and concepts, their role in risk management, when you need one, how to read a COI, how to create a COI tracking system and understand the relationship among COIs, contracts and agreements. Safety coordinators, HR and facility managers, and park superintendents are just a few who should attend this class.

3. Ladder Safety (Nov. 19, Nov. 22)
Members use ladders daily; their prevalence can cause workers to be complacent about ladder safety. However, improper use can cause serious injury or even death. This class teaches safer alternatives to ladders as well as ladder safety, including how to set one up safely, 3 Points of Contact and how to lift and carry equipment on a ladder. You’ll also learn about PDRMA's Ladder Subsidy program.

4. H.E.L.P. 1 — Essentials of Human Resources Curriculum (Dec. 4 – 5)
This two-day session is a comprehensive but concise overview of measuring staff performance, employment law, hiring/discipline/termination of staff and when to call PDRMA for help. All employees who recruit, hire, supervise, manage, evaluate, discipline, enforce policy and manage employee performance should attend H.E.L.P. training.

5. H.E.L.P 2 — Managing Employee Performance and Conducting Effective Performance Evaluations
Have you previously attended H.E.L.P. 1 and want to manage employee performance effectively? This course uses case studies to explore performance management and conducting effective discussions with employees.

6. Playground Maintenance (Dec. 11 – 12) 
Playground safety is more than just memorizing standards and statistics. Join park professionals to learn practical information about addressing real-life playground maintenance issues. This two-day program includes a printed manual, networking opportunities, case studies and a state-of-the art virtual playground on which to apply your skills. More than 2,000 park professionals throughout the world have participated in this comprehensive playground maintenance program. Upon completion, you receive Playground Maintenance Technician certification from Indiana University.