Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I get more training in MoveSMART techniques?

A: Ask your safety coordinator or training contact if classes are scheduled for certified Instructors at your company or organization. We offer Refresher and Follow-up courses to bring your skills up to date and share experiences in training co-workers. Other MoveSMART Modules are available for advanced training: FallSAFE, HandSMART, SmartSTART, and others; each focuses on specific body techniques and injury prevention. to address specific problem areas have your organization contact us to schedule additional courses.

Q: How can I motivate resistant workers to use MoveSMART techniques?

A: People can be resistant when they don't really understand how a Movesmart technique works or how it will benefit them. They need to feel the difference that Movesmart can make. Select simple step-by-step demonstrations, checking to see if they get the point. Use their own work site tools, so what they learn can be directly applied. Explain the power of attention--where they put their attention is what will be reinforced. Finally, as you coach them one-on-one, you may uncover reasons unrelated to Movesmart for their resistance: job problems, personal problems, etc. You may need outside help to talk to the resistant worker. When convinced, resistant workers can turn out to be your greatest allies for safety.

Q: How long does my certification last? How do I get recertified?

A: When you take the Movesmart Instructor Training course, you are certified for three years from the date of completion. If your certification is due to expire, contact your Safety Coordinator or supervisor to schedule a Movesmart Follow-up Course for recertification. Find out if others need recertification, to increase support for a new Movesmart module or Follow-up. Your organization has several options in recertifying workers: repeating the regular Instructor Training Course, taking a Follow-up Course, or attending an advanced Movesmart module. Have your Safety Manager call us to help assess the best way for you to be recertified.

Q: If I change jobs, can I train workers at my new company?

A: At your new company see if they have certified Movesmart Instructors. If so, have the Safety Coordinator or manager contact us to verify your certification and ask how to certify you or your new company.

Q: It's been a long time since I was trained in MoveSMART. How can I get up to speed and prepared to teach again?

A: The best way to get up to speed is to take a Follow-up Course to refresh your knowledge about Movesmart techniques. You'll be able to get firsthand feedback during the one or two-day course, and at the end be fully ready to train others. Your organization might also schedule a Refresher Class led by your own certified Movesmart Instructor co-workers who excel at Movesmart training.

Q: Management is reluctant to release people for training in MoveSMART. How do I encourage their support?

A: A grassroots effort sometimes helps get needed resources. When your organization first contracted with us for Movesmart training, they were committed to its success. Now's the time to remind them of their original enthusiasm. Demonstrate safety improvements, tell anecdotes of success stories, gather statistics to show injuries and time-loss incidents are going down. If you need a broader discussion of Movesmart effectiveness, request that your organization contact us to have a Master-Trainer lead an orientation at your site, speak to management groups, and demonstrate its success. Movesmart is a win-win for everyone--safety culture improves, injuries go down and morale goes up.

Q: How can I get posters and reminders of MoveSMART customized with our company logo on them?

A: Call our office (503.977.2094) for information about customized material. Only companies with an SSA licensing agreement can obtain Movesmart material. For pictures and descriptions of popular items, visit our Reinforcement Product page.

Q: What if I only have one hour to teach the MoveSMART class to my co-workers?

A: Movesmart training is designed to be given in a two and a half to three-hour block of time. Shortening it to one hour may not produce the desired results. However, if unavoidable, here's how to go about it in this short time. Decide the most important one or two things the class needs to learn. For example, if hand injuries are the biggest problem, use class time for the Smart Hands technique. Be sure everyone tries it. Focus on training that has the biggest impact. Before you begin, be completely organized and ready with the tools, protective equipment or whatever you will focus on. At the end, set up a time for one-on-one coaching at the work site; practice in their own environment will expand your teaching.

Q: How many students should we include in each MoveSMART class?

A: Smaller classes are more effective, especially during your first trainings. Five to seven people is a good size for getting everyone involved and for getting personal attention from you. The key is having participants try the techniques. The smaller the class, the greater the chance everyone has time to practice, get feedback from you, and practice again.

Q: Is team teaching more effective than teaching by myself?

A: Team teaching is highly successful. Set up trainings with another Movesmart trained instructor and you'll benefit from their ideas and enthusiasm. Students benefit by getting more attention and feedback. Ahead of time, meet with your co-trainer to exchange ideas and plan how to share the class.

Q: How can we expand MoveSMART to other parts of our company where time-loss incidents and severity of injuries are real problems?

A: Talk to the Safety Coordinator or manager, members of the Safety Committee and management. Gather facts and statistics about incidents and point out the severity of the problem. Ask to broaden your existing Movesmart classes or contact us to certify more Instructors. Expanding the Movesmart program depends on a record of success in injury prevention, motivation by certified Movesmart Instructors, and a commitment to safety thoughout your organization.

Q: What are some tips for reinforcing MoveSMART techniques when coaching one-on-one with co-workers?

A: Be positive, supportive and enthusiastic. Help your co-worker practice the techniques and be sure they experience the difference that good technique makes. Go step-by-step so they understand what they are experiencing each step of the way. Give examples using their common tools and equipment, demonstrating how each should be used safely. Be patient with their learning--everyone has different learning styles, so be alert to what works in each instance. Most of all, have them practice the techniques themselves. Compliment them for using proper Movesmart techniques--positive reinforcement goes a long way.

Q: How do I contact the SSA Master-Trainer who taught our MoveSMART class?

A: You can reach us by email (addresses are listed on the Staff page) or by calling the SSA office at 503.977.2094 (Portland, OR). If you have anecdotes or stories where Movesmart has made a difference, please let us know. Share your experiences and what you've learned in teaching Movesmart. We want to hear from you.

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