How New Employee Onboarding Can Promote Safety
An effective new employee onboarding program is a key step in establishing a comprehensive safety program. Research shows that employees can be most engaged during the first six months on the job,1 and a lack of knowledge and skill can be contributing factors in workplace accidents.2 New hires generally develop their first impression of the company during orientation and onboarding programs. One benefit of a strong onboarding program is the communication that safety is a value to the company and will not be compromised.
Your onboarding program should be built on clearly defined objectives. These objectives should include, but are not limited to, following safe job procedures, recognizing unsafe conditions, understanding appropriate countermeasures, and a demonstration of an understanding of safety expectations.
How New Employee Onboarding Can Promote Safety
28% of workplace injuries occur within the first year of employment.1
FIVE KEY ELEMENTS TO INCLUDE IN AN ONBOARDING PROGRAM
- Safety expectations/culture orientation. Walk through the corporate mission overview with new employees and review the safety policy.
- Emergency procedures and facility overview. Provide a tour of the facility. Be sure to review the evacuation plan and the location of the emergency exits, and share contact information.
- Personal protective equipment (PPE). Review types of PPE, as well as key locations and hazards requiring PPE.
- Accident/Injury reporting. Review the medical and first aid policy, steps for incident reporting and return to work policies.
- Job specific skill-based training. Provide hands-on training that can help new employees perform their job, assign them a mentor.
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1https://www.travelers.com/resourcesworkplace-safety/onboarding-and-training-employees-into-a-safety-culture.aspx
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Sources:
1 Gallup, 2014
2 Rahim, 2008
