Protecting worker safety should be a top priority, and if you’re
an experienced manager or business owner, you understand how small investments
in worker protection can pay off in big ways. Even something as simple
as a handrail installation can let employees know that you care about
their well- being, and can yield big increases in worker loyalty, commitment,
productivity, and retention, not to mention countless savings on injury
claims and expensive lawsuits.
But while you value the safety of your entire workforce, keep in mind that
new recruits and inexperienced employees represent your most vulnerable
population. These are the workers who are most prone to mistakes, misunderstandings,
and avoidable mishaps. So these workers require closer managerial attention
and stronger protections. Keep these tips in mind.
Supervision Matters
Even if your newer employees know exactly what they’re doing and
they’ve performed a certain operation a thousand times during their
careers, don’t let them work alone immediately after they’re
hired. There may be dangerous aspects of the job that seasoned employees
and managers take for granted, and your newer employees may not be prepared
to handle these dangers without the presence of watchful eyes. Threats
can include improper use of protective gear, neglecting standard cleaning
and sanitization methods, and entering dangerous or injury-prone areas
without recognizing threats (like overhead equipment, sudden temperature
changes, or unexpected loud noises).
Use the Buddy System
Even if they don’t need direct training or managerial supervision,
pair new employees with seasoned workers during every task they face throughout
the day. Short-term partnerships can provide new employees with protection
and mentoring, and current employees with opportunities to practice their
leadership and training skills.
Don’t Just Hand Them a Manual
Of course new hires will require a printed (and online accessible) version
of an employee handbook, a copy of all company policies that are relevant
to their job description. This manual can and should include safety information
that can protect new employees from dangerous equipment and workplace
areas. But don’t assume that every piece of information in the handbook
or manual will be read and memorized. Take responsibility for delivering
this information in other formats, especially if it deals directly with
issues related to safety. “Didn’t you read the manual?”
isn’t a helpful question after a new employee has accidentally placed
himself/herself or others in danger.
Make Use of All Teachable Moments
If a new employee makes a small mistake, don’t just forgive and ignore
the error assuming that the employee meant well or didn’t know any
better. The first few weeks on the job are critical in terms of early
training and initiation, and now is the time to point out errors and correct
them before they become dangerous habits.
For more on how to protect new workers (and protect others from their potential
mistakes), reach out to the hiring, staffing and training experts at
Lift Temp.