One of the things we learn about in Job Instruction are the key points. Key points are NOT the work sequence, but the "how-to" of the job and key points are the focal point for Job Safety Training. Even with all the emphasis on safety, one wonders why we still have accidents in the workplace. Part of the problem is that people are not adequately trained or encouraged to think critically about safety on the job.

Like in Job Instruction, telling people alone is not enough for safety, they need to be shown and YOU need to know that THEY understand the reason behind the safety key points. As a result of this thinking, Job Instruction Training is the basis for the Job Safety Training program.

Still, even knowing how to do the job safely isn't enough; accidents still happen. Over the past several years the emphasis on safety has shifted towards prevention. Management launches prevention campaigns that hold back accidents for a brief period, but eventually they return. But the skill of early problem detection isn't taught effectively through a safety slogan poster. Problem awareness is a critical thinking skill that must be acquired, mastered, and taught to others.

Job Safety was created by the Canadian Department of Labour, through the Vocational Training arm, during the war period. The Canadians had been though Job Instruction via the TWI Service, and the problem awareness resulting from this training helped them focus on the number one workplace problem in Canada at that time: safety. The Ministry created the Job Safety manual, which is essentially safety awareness training embedded within Job Instruction.

The British reviewed the Canadian version and decided to produce their own version that focused on discovery and actions to remove the risk or prevent the possible event. Their program included slides and test cases to test the development of skills in spotting safety issues. The development of this version is mistakenly attributed to the Japanese.