Nursery Sector Biosecurity Guide
2.0 Education, Training and Communication

Education, Training and Communication^Footnote 2

Benefits: Employees are one of the most important elements when implementing a biosecurity plan, as nearly all biosecurity measures will be executed by employees during their day-to-day work activities. A training program that is well-developed, communicated and implemented helps provide employees with an understanding of the importance of proactive biosecurity. In addition, visitors will frequently require access to the nursery. Communicating the necessary biosecurity measures to visitors will help mitigate the risk of pest introduction and spread during their visit.

Considerations

• Include employees in the process to design the biosecurity plan to increase their "ownership" of the plan, which may help with implementation.
• Incorporate biosecurity measures and protocols into the training program.
• Use signs and visual aids to communicate biosecurity measures within the nursery. Refer to Appendix 2 for examples of signs.
• Use plain language in education and communication materials and on signs.
• Provide information in the appropriate language(s) for employees. When necessary, translate signs, education and communication documents.
• Provide employees with training in crop production practices, identification and symptoms of pests of concern, as well as the process for reporting suspected pest detections to trained individuals at the nursery.
• Pest fact sheets, information sheets and posters may be hung in common areas to help employees identify pests of concern.
• Provide employees with a general understanding of the pathways of pest transmission to help them implement the necessary biosecurity measures to mitigate the risks of pest introduction and spread throughout their day-to-day activities.
• Not all employees require training on all biosecurity measures. Designated employees may be given detailed training to confirm pest identification and decide pest control measures.
• Monitor, review and update the biosecurity plan and training program as situations change and new information becomes available.
• Schedule and implement periodic training and awareness updates with employees.
• Ensure visitors are aware of and respect the biosecurity measures for the areas of the nursery they visit. Templates and/or checklists may be used to verify that biosecurity measures have been completed.

Education, Training and Communication Self-Assessment Checklist

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