Why communicate safety information when onboarding new employees?
The answer may seem obvious, but…
Studies show new workers have a higher risk of workplace injury than more experienced workers. Newly employed aren’t yet familiar with their workplace environment. Every workplace has different equipment, policies and procedures and its own safety conditions. And, if unfamiliar, a new person is more likely to suffer an accident. Firms must protect their most important asset – their employees – from harm.
Integrate Safety Information into New Hire Training
In the workplace, there are always a variety of safety dangers for recently hired workers. However, you can minimize the risk of a safety incident with new hires by including safety information in their onboarding training.
By effectively and completely communicating safety information, you can lower the chances of a new hire injury.
Here are some tips on how to get started…
Clearly Communicate All Safety Information
It’s too easy to take for granted that workers know and understand potential workplace hazards and safety procedures to avoid them.
You might think many of the hazards that are present in your workplace are preventable for a reasonable, cautious worker. But, don’t presume your new hires understand these conditions or situations. You need to be sure that all safety-related information needs to be clearly communicated and posted in obvious places in the environment.
Safety Information & Training during Onboarding
When a new hire first comes on board they spend their time pretty much at your discretion. After all, they haven’t the experience to jump in and fully participate in the work process. They’re often meeting co-workers, reading documents and “learning the ropes.” Use that initial period to review company safety measures and regulations. Emphasize key points of potential safety hazard and have them take a tour of the workplace. Highlight important info like hazardous materials, safety measures, location of emergency apparatus and first aid kits, etc. You should also make sure they have a list of emergency safety contacts with contact details. Be clear-cut on who to alert if an incident occur or if they have safety concerns, questions or recommendations.
Safety Information Policy & Procedure Handouts & Posters
When you present the information during the onboarding process, it is wise to give each new hire a copy of relevant safety policies and procedures. Allow them time to review the details as needed. This can easily be included in a employee handbook or as a separate document. By providing hard copies, you decrease the odds a worker will make a mistake simply because they weren’t informed. Make sure they read and grasped the information. Test their knowledge of the most critical points and have them reread topics they misunderstand.
Safety Information Ongoing Team Exchanges
As we mentioned above, providing safety information in onboarding is essential. But it also should be a continuous mandatory exchange of experience and ideas. Workers forget safety principles and courses of action the longer it’s been since they first learned them. So having the entire team take part in recurrent exchanges helps embed the policies. This is particularly the case where standards often change.
Regardless, use a preventive approach to workplace safety. That’s your best tactic. So carefully instruct your recent employees on their work environment as well as all relevant rules and safety actions for their location.
Reduce Safety Risk by Using Employees from Flexicrew
Flexicrew can help you learn more about safety policies and procedures or about seeking a skilled employee to join your company. Contact us to speak with an experienced member of our staff today and see how our talent staffing services can help your company succeed.