Almost every training vendor at the Safety 2016 expo in Atlanta is promoting some form of online training and education. "eLearning" signs and banners are ubiquitous, as though online is the only way to train employees.

Of course that's a stretch, and ISHN reader surveys show most pros still prefer blended learning - a combination of online and hands-on training.

While classrooms aren't going to disappear any time soon from the safety landscape, it's clear the cutting edge training practices are computerized. Aisle after aisle in the expo showcases booths promoting "learning online together," "elearning suites," "elearning campuses" and "elearning localization" -- a global translation service.

There are also online degrees in occupational safety to be obtained, mirroring the trend in education in general for learning to be increasingly an electronic, remote experience.