Operator Qualification Solutions Group (OQSG)

In 1993, Moreno & Associates thrived as one of the first safety consulting firms in the southeast and one of only a few behavioral safety consulting firms in the United States.  In the late 1990s, several major operating and contractor companies sought assistance from Moreno & Associates for a solution to the Department of Transportation’s Operator Qualification rule.  The Operator Qualification Solutions Group (OQSG) was formed to fulfill those requests and redefine how the industry addressed complying with the OQ rule.  With a mission statement of “Easing the Burden of Operator Qualification,” OQSG developed an OQ process that is administratively friendly, cost effective, and deployable to a large, diverse and scattered workforce.

The solution that OQSG developed is an engaging computer-based training and assessment program called OQVerify™.  The two elements of OQVerify™ that set it apart from its competitors are its multi-sensory learning experience and ease of administration.  Known throughout the pipeline industry for its high-end multimedia training, OQVerify™ features live action video, narration, computer graphics and animation to create a unique and engaging learning experience.  OQVerify is designed with a simple and intuitive administrative interface, so that training and assessing your employees is easily and quickly accomplished.  The majority of first time users find they are proficient with the program after only a few minutes.  Company administrators learn about Operator Qualification, the OQVerify software, and the OQSG Proctoring requirements by attending an online session that is offered weekly.  The online Proctor training session is ninety minutes long and focuses on helping administrators understand their role in the OQSG Operator Qualification process. 

Along with OQVerify™, OQSG offers solutions for Performance and Skills Qualifications.  OQSG certifies experienced company employees as Performance Evaluators during a one day training class.  The Performance Evaluator training sessions are six hours long and focus on OQSG policy, Covered Task criteria, and validation for Performance Evaluations.  Evaluators receive all covered task forms necessary to conduct efficient Performance Evaluations.  OQSG rounds out their product offering by providing Proctors, computer testing facilities, and 3rd party Performance Evaluators for companies that do not want to manage their OQ process.

The success of any Operator Qualification method is measured by Operator acceptance.  Operating companies must selectively choose the OQ methods that best meet the spirit and intent of their OQ plan.  Many Operators accept OQSG as both an approved qualification method for their contractors as well as their preferred in-house OQ solution.  In 2007, the number of Operators accepting OQSG tripled.  A list of both Operators and Contractors accepting and using OQSG is found on their website at www.oqsg.com.

The brains behind the Operator Qualification Solutions Group consist of varied backgrounds and motivators.  They believe in quality products and excellent customer support.  It is because of their dedication to the industry that OQSG will soon be unveiling the newest version of OQVerify software.  The highly anticipated release of OQV5™ will offer several new features such as Online Database Synchronization, Optimized Local Networking, Online Access and improved Training/Knowledge/Skills Management.  Their robust online database stores all of the customer’s local application records, online records, and user information in one location.  Also, companies are able to combine all of their database files in one manageable and reportable online repository through database synchronization.  An optimized local network feature allows administrators to install software, update courses, and synchronize qualification records quickly and easily.  OQVerify5 is the only qualification software to offer both computer and web-based training that is identical and fully integrated.  The entire software package will be available online, without the need for downloads or updates.

OQSG also offers Operator Qualification courses to companies that use learning management systems.  StandAlone™ courses operate in most learning management systems that accept AICC or SCORM formats.  These courses are identical to the ones offered in OQVerify5 and use the same Multi-Sensory Learning features.

Finally, if operator qualification is not your need, OQSG may have a solution for you as well.  Emprowise, an online employee education source, is a new sister company formed by OQSG and other content providers.  Select courses are available through the Emprowise site at a pay-per-view basis.  These courses cover vast subjects such as, Pipeline Safety Orientation, Abnormal Operating Conditions, Excavation, Telephonic Notice, Safety Related Conditions, and Reporting Accidents.  As with OQVerify5, no downloads or updates are needed on the Emprowise site, and all of your records are kept online.  Emprowise is a place for the OQSG Curriculum Design Team to host and develop custom courses for your company. 

OQSG has over ten years of experience developing multi-media educational programs in a variety of subjects.  Today, OQSG is a division of Industrial Solutions Group, LLC (ISG).  ISG has offices in Lafayette and Covington, Louisiana. Contact their office today for your solution.  Demonstrations and additional information is also found on their website www.oqsg.com