CASE STUDY
Creating a Global Safety Standard for a Distributed Workforce
Helping a global renewable energy organization create a scalable safety training system that standardized hazardous energy control practices across more than 20,000 technicians worldwide.
The Challenge
For a global organization, creating consistent safety behaviors across regions is complex.
Employees working in different countries often operate under different regulations, training requirements, and local practices. However, when technicians are working with hazardous energy during installation and maintenance activities, consistent safety practices are essential.
The organization needed a custom training solution that could:
Communicate requirements from global Electrical Safety and Control of Hazardous Energy programs
Standardize safety expectations across locations
Support efficient worldwide deployment
Address the needs of different audiences, including non-electrical personnel, qualified employees, and managers
Build internal capability to sustain training delivery over time
The challenge was creating a program that maintained global standards while remaining practical and relevant for technicians working in diverse environments.
The Solution
Idea Learning partnered with safety leaders, engineers, technicians, and master trainers to design a comprehensive global safety learning program.
The team collaborated closely with subject matter experts, including working sessions in Europe to validate procedures, refine content, and ensure the training reflected real-world technician experiences.
Rather than creating training focused only on compliance requirements, the program was designed around the situations employees encounter in the field.
The solution addressed critical hazardous energy scenarios, including:
Simple lockouts
Complex lockouts
Group lockouts
Electrical safety procedures
Energy control responsibilities
The final program included multiple learning formats designed to support different roles and learning needs:
Instructional Videos and Supporting Materials: Short, focused resources helped technicians understand safety procedures and visualize how they apply in real work situations.
Energy Control Coordinator Course: A three-part course was developed to support the emerging Energy Control Coordinator role in Europe. The program combined technical safety knowledge with the leadership and communication skills needed to coordinate energy control activities.
Master Trainer Workshop Series: A seven-course workshop series equipped internal trainers with facilitator guides and delivery resources to support consistent implementation across locations.
eLearning Safety Refreshers: Five eLearning modules reinforced electrical safety and lockout/tagout procedures, providing ongoing knowledge reinforcement for technicians.
The Approach
The project began by understanding the realities of the work environment and the decisions technicians make in high-risk situations.
Idea Learning worked alongside safety experts and field personnel to translate complex technical requirements into practical learning experiences.
The approach combined:
Subject matter expert collaboration
Scenario-based learning
Role-specific training pathways
Instructor-led workshops
eLearning reinforcement
Job aids and performance support tools
Internal trainer development
This created a learning ecosystem that supported both immediate training needs and long-term program sustainability.
Results
The completed custom training program provided a scalable global safety framework that supported consistent practices across a highly distributed workforce.
Key outcomes:
Standardized hazardous energy control training across global operations
Consistent safety expectations across countries and employee roles
Practical resources for technicians working in high-risk environments
Internal trainers equipped to continue delivering the program
Blended learning resources that supported both initial training and ongoing reinforcement
Why It Worked
Safety training is most effective when employees understand not only what procedures to follow, but why those procedures matter and how to apply them in real situations.
This project transformed complex global safety requirements into practical learning experiences that technicians, managers, and trainers could use across locations and roles.
By combining consistent standards with real-world application, the organization created a sustainable safety program designed to support safer decisions every day.
Because effective safety training does more than communicate requirements. It builds the confidence and behaviors people need to work safely.
"Idea Learning is my go-to vendor. It’s rare to find a stress-free, no-drama, let’s-get-the-job-done vendor. They are extremely easy to collaborate with."
— Project Manager, Global Renewable Energy | Denmark