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.

When most people hear the term “workplace violence,” they envision a physical attack or altercation between a boss and a direct report, or between two co-workers, possibly resulting from a workplace conflict or misunderstanding. But this is just one example of a wide range of behaviors that fall under this category, all of which can and should be prevented by proactive measures on the part of a responsible employer.

Workplace violence can include a variety of situations including, but not limited to: written or verbal threats, harassment, intimidation, bullying, pranks, retaliation, or aggression on the part of customers or members of the public. Violence can be subtle or blatant, and can be enacted through invisible means, such as written, email, or text messages, voice messages, rumors, or property destruction. Behavior that demeans, alarms or embarrasses can also fall into the category of workplace violence.

Situations that Increase the Likelihood of Violence

There are several situations that appear to statistically escalate the possibility of violence in the workplace, including those listed below. Employers should increase vigilance and preventive measures during these occasions.

Interactions between employees and the public.

Any transactions that involve the exchange of money or prescriptions drugs.

Transactions involving inspection or rule enforcement on the part of government employees or superiors.

Situations in which employees are working alone or in small groups in isolated, low-traffic areas (for example, workplace vehicles or buildings disconnected from the central workplace).

Certain time periods also correspond with higher incidents of workplace violence, including the following: Early and late hours of the morning and evening, pay days, periods of intense organizational change, performance evaluations, and holidays.

Protecting Your Workplace from Violence

In order to protect your workplace from violence, you’ll need to begin by assessing your level of risk. First, review your history of documented violent incidents and search this history for specific patterns. Then conduct research evaluating the history of violence in similar workplaces and similar industries.

Once you’ve estimated your level of general risk, you can begin drafting a policy that clearly defines “workplace violence” for your purposes and describes all categories of unacceptable behavior. The policy should clearly state the consequences for these behaviors, and whether or not a no-tolerance rule will or won’t be applied.

Be sure to include representatives from both the employee side and the management side of the table as you draft this policy, and include buy-in from vendors, contractors, and all other parties who conduct business in your workplace.

For more information on how to prevent violence and abuse in your workplace, reach out to the staffing and management team at Lift Temp.