Rank: New forum user 
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I have been tasked to do a full cost-benefit analysis of the use of e-learning instead of classroom training. I am trying to find any legal cases or information on why we couldn’t use e-Learning for some H&S training? For example, manual handling has a practical element and delegate competency can only be checked visually (in my mind) however is this a legal requirement?
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Rank: Super forum user
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I do not think that you will find explicit case law, but several official reports of ennquiries into major disasters have highlighted the deficiencies of depending solely on e-learning in safety critical operations such as control room operations etc. (The BP Texas City Refinery disaster reports).
E-learning has its advantages, but it cannot replace a candidates ability to demonstrate the correct manual handling technique to a competent trainer. E-learning may be OK for low risk manual handling activities, but you may not be able to prove that you have carried out proper training if involved in higher risk manual handling when defending a civil case.
One of the kety advantages of face to face learning is the interaction between the trainer and the candidates and also between the candidates.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Hi Vicki, one of the problems that some e-learning does not address is that people learn differently. For most peopel it is a blend of Visual, Aural and Kinestheitc, but some are polarised towards one area and for them a means of teaching that relies on one style simpley will not work. E learning is primarily visual, kinesthetic types really struggle and depending on the course it can be a turn off for those who are aural learners as well. The better pacakages do offer interaction and sound which help, but for many things you cannot beat face to face or class room style teaching. The interaction between students can be one of the best resources for H&S training- particularly Manual Handling.
A further problem at least with the course we use in house is that you can skip through at speed and cheat on the final test by simply back screening when you get an answer wrong. I have yet to meet anyone who has failed one of the on-line courses or got less than 95% in the test.
Sorry that this not helpful in the search for case law to support you but there was a recent case- New Look fire- where inadequte training was sited as a major factor in the fine.
Nic
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Rank: Forum user
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I think that it all depend on your working environment, the risks involved etc.
My copmpany has a mixture of both office based and more manual type jobs. The office based people complete e learning course and the manual people a more practical course.
But we have recently moved offices and due to this the office based staff also completed a practical course.
So as i said, its down to the hazard/risks and applying the correct controls given the circumstances. There is no one answer fits all i am afraid.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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xRockape
that sounds to be a sensible cost effective idea to me
Steve
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Rank: Guest
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I'd argue that class room training is often the least effective method of training. But I am not saying that e-learning is necessarily the answer either.
I believe the main problem is that we tend to focus on training when we need to talk much more about 'competence.' This was alluded to in the question, but I find most people shy away from it. There are three questions you need to ask:
1. What competencies do people need?
2. What is the best way of them achieving that competence?
3. How can be be sure they have achieved that competence?
You will find that the answer to these questions will very rarely be either 'send them on class room training' or 'make them work through an e-learning package.' In reality, most people become competent by doing the job. If they are well supported and supervised they will be far better and safer at their job than they would have been if they had been trained. Unfortunately that support and supervision is often lacking, usually because there is not system in place to managed on-the-job training/learning.
You may be interested in this
http://www.abrisk.co.uk/...&id=37&Itemid=34
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