Training Matrix
For: Trainer, Manager, Admin | Tier: Standard and Pro
The Training Matrix is a visual grid that maps job roles to required training courses. It answers a critical compliance question at a glance: which employees have completed their required training, and who is behind?
OSHA expects employers to ensure that every employee receives training appropriate to their role and the hazards they face. The Training Matrix makes it easy to prove you are meeting that expectation — and to identify gaps before an inspector finds them.
How the Training Matrix Works
The matrix displays a grid with job roles on one axis and training courses on the other. Each cell shows the compliance status for that role-course combination:
| Color | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Green | All employees in this role have completed this course |
| Yellow | Some employees have completed the course, or certifications are expiring soon |
| Red | One or more employees in this role are missing this required course |
| Gray | This course is not required for this role |
Defining Requirements
To build your matrix, you define which courses are required for each job role:
- Go to SafePath then Training Matrix
- Select a job role from the list
- Mark the courses that are required for that role
- Repeat for each role in your organization
For example, you might require all Warehouse Workers to complete HazCom, Forklift Safety, and PPE training — while Office Staff only need HazCom and Fire Safety/Emergency Action.
Once requirements are defined, SafePath automatically calculates compliance status as employees complete (or miss) their assigned training.
Gap Analysis
The Training Matrix highlights compliance gaps — places where required training has not been completed. This is valuable in two situations:
Before an OSHA Inspection
Review the matrix to identify and address gaps proactively. If the matrix shows red cells, you know exactly which employees need which training before an inspector arrives.
During Annual Reviews
At the start of each year, review your matrix to plan your annual retraining schedule. Identify which certifications are expiring, which roles have new training requirements, and where to focus your resources.
Filtering the Matrix
You can filter the Training Matrix to focus on what matters:
- By site — View compliance for a specific location
- By role — Focus on a single job role across all courses
- By course — See which roles require a specific course and their completion status
- By status — Show only gaps (red and yellow cells) to prioritize action
Why the Training Matrix Matters for Compliance
OSHA's 29 CFR 1910.1200(h) requires training on hazardous chemicals, but many other standards require role-specific training as well. A forklift operator needs different training than a lab technician. The Training Matrix ensures you are not applying a one-size-fits-all approach that leaves gaps.
During an inspection, being able to pull up a matrix showing role-based training requirements and completion status demonstrates that you have a systematic, defensible training program — not just a stack of sign-in sheets.
Related
- Courses — Build the courses that populate your matrix
- Assignments — Assign training to close gaps identified in the matrix
- Training Reports — Export compliance data for audits
- Training Automation — Auto-assign training when roles change