5 Workplace Safety Tips to Cover with All New Employees

a finger pushing a fire alarm

You add new employees to your company and offer an extensive onboarding process. Yet, there is still a chance that new workers are uncertain about how to safely perform various tasks.  

If new employees complete work tasks incorrectly, they can inadvertently put themselves and others in danger. Fortunately, if you educate new employees about workplace safety, you can reduce the risk of accidents and injuries across your workplace.  

When you teach new employees about workplace safety, there are several key tips you need to cover. These include: 

1. Assess Your Surroundings 

Tell new employees to look at their work areas and identify any potential hazards. Remember, new employees must be able to work in a safe setting, and you can encourage them to keep an eye out for potential hazards.  

As an employer, you are responsible for maintaining a safe work environment. Thus, if a new employee identifies an on-the-job hazard, you should address this issue immediately. By being proactive about on-the-job safety, you can create a hazard-free workplace, as well as show new employees you care about their health and safety.   

2. Wear Protective Equipment 

If new employees require protective gear to perform daily tasks, provide this equipment to them on day one. You should also show new employees how to use protective equipment and ensure they can wear it comfortably and safely.  

In the event that protective equipment for new employees is damaged, replace it. In addition, you should replace any protective equipment that no longer meets OSHA workplace safety requirements.  

3. Take Regular Breaks 

Give your new employees opportunities to take regular breaks. Otherwise, failure to provide breaks throughout the workday can lead to exhaustion and stress — and make new employees more susceptible to errors that lead to on-the-job accidents and injuries.  

Try to schedule breaks for new employees every few hours. That way, these employees have sufficient time to enjoy a snack or beverage, relax, and return to work feeling their best.  

4. Organize Your Workspace 

Encourage new employees to organize their work areas in a way that optimizes safety and efficiency. For example, new employees can store non-essential work items and ensure they can be accessed as needed. At the same time, these workers can keep essential work items close at hand.  

New employees should also have ample space in their work areas. If you give new employees enough space to complete everyday tasks to the best of their ability, they can avoid interrupting their co-workers — and lower the risk of workplace accidents and injuries.  

5. Report Unsafe Work Conditions  

Let new employees know that you want them to come forward if they identify unsafe work conditions. If you open the lines of communication with new employees, you can lay the groundwork for long-lasting partnerships.  

If a new employee tells you about a workplace safety issue, correct the problem. You should also take time to address any workplace safety concerns and questions from new employees, so they feel good about their work areas.  

Solve Your Staffing Challenges with Assistance from Ascend Staffing 

Want to find top talent right away? Contact Ascend Staffing today to learn how we help employers discover the talent they need — without delay.  

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *