In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing environment, managing risk is more critical than ever. Whether you’re providing labor, behind the wheel, or in the office, risk is always right around the corner. One of the most effective ways to safeguard your organization and minimize potential threats is through training. Here’s why using the Training Tab on the GSRMA website can be utilized as a component of risk management, and how it can help protect your agency in the long run.

1. Finding Risks Before They Find You
The first step in managing risk is recognizing it early. Often, risks are present long before they become apparent. Through regular training, employees learn to spot potential threats—whether they are security vulnerabilities, compliance violations, or operational deficiencies. Training helps your team develop a keen eye for the risks that could negatively impact your agencies, allowing you to address them before they escalate. Training with GSRMA allows you to customize your training to best fit your staff, allowing them to learn in a manner that is best for them.

2. Reducing Human Error
One of the biggest sources of risk is human error. From vehicle accidents to overlooked safety procedures, mistakes can lead to costly consequences for any agency. Through topic specific training, you can reduce these errors by equipping your team with the knowledge and skills needed to perform their tasks with accuracy and confidence. When employees know what to do in high-pressure situations, they’re less likely to make costly mistakes. The Training tab allows you to book in- person trainings and inspections with our Risk Control Advisors on topics you need the most.

3. Ensuring Legal and Regulatory Compliance
All of us face complex regulations and legal requirements as public entities, and those can change frequently. Training is key to ensuring that your team understands the latest laws and compliance standards. By staying up to date with regular training sessions with GSRMA, you can avoid the risk of fines, penalties, or legal trouble that could arise from non-compliance. It’s much easier to manage risk proactively than deal with the fallout from a preventable mistake. We provide training based on what the audience needs most. Whether it’s a Training for your Board, or a video to share at a staff meeting, GSRMA can assist within any setting.

4. Building a Culture of Risk Awareness
Risk management isn’t just about policies and procedures—it’s about creating a mindset. By incorporating risk management into your training programs, you help instill a culture of awareness and responsibility throughout your organization. By utilizing Vector Solutions with GSRMA, you can develop a series for your agency. When everyone understands their role in mitigating risk, the whole team becomes more proactive in identifying and addressing potential issues. A culture of risk awareness fosters accountability and creates a more resilient organization.

5. Preparing for the Unexpected
Risk is unpredictable, but that doesn’t mean we can’t prepare for it. Having a Site Inspection allows staff trained in Risk Management to see things that staff may overlook. By having staff on site, we can train your team in various risk management strategies and help them to see and respond effectively. With the right training, your employees will know how to both find hazards and mitigate them, as well as handle crises calmly and efficiently. This will only minimize potential damage and help your organization recover faster.

6. Improving Decision-Making
Effective risk management involves making informed decisions, and training plays a critical role in this process. By equipping your Board and Trustees with the knowledge and tools to assess risks, they’ll be better prepared to make decisions that minimize exposure to threats. When employees understand the potential consequences, they’re more likely to make decisions that stay in compliance and align with your company’s risk management strategy.

7. Boosting Confidence and Morale
When employees feel confident in their ability to identify and manage risks, they’re more engaged and proactive in their roles. Regular training on multiple topics not only improves their skills but also boosts morale. A well-trained team that invests in themselves will feel more secure and supported, knowing that they have the knowledge to handle difficult situations. This, in turn, creates a more positive and productive work environment, the root of Professional Development.

In Conclusion
Risk is an inevitable part of doing business, but with the right training, you can mitigate much of it. By prioritizing regular risk management strategies, you can equip your team to identify, assess, and manage risks effectively, safeguarding both your organization and its future. Training sessions, whether delivered over Zoom or in person are excellent ways to start discussions with your staff about issues they have experienced. Most often, excellent conversations arise about “how to handle this situation next time” or shared learning amongst staff. Training is as much about the team being able to talk and share experiences around a certain subject as it is the trainer presenting it.

Training is an investment that pays dividends in the form of reduced mistakes, greater compliance, team building, better decision-making, and a more resilient agency overall. We encourage you to make training a priority for your team. Use our Training tab to help design and implement training for your agency, riskcontrol@gsrma.org is here to support you every step of the way.