General Safety – Give New Co-workers Your Support
Once the initial orientation to the company is over and the basic requirements of the job and the safety program have been covered, it’s time to move the new employee into the work force and introduce the people he or she will be working with.
Co-workers play an important role in getting the new person off to a good start.
What is a veteran employee’s role when it comes to orienting a new employee? Remember that new people are nervous to begin with—just starting a new job. They probably don’t remember all the instructions they are given and aren’t familiar with the new surroundings. This is often a time for information overload.
Here’s how an experienced hand can help:
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Introduce yourself, explain your job, and offer assistance.
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Encourage the new hire to ask questions if he or she is not quite sure. Remember how hard it was to admit you didn’t know everything when you started a new job?
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Remember too that the new person may be highly skilled and experienced in his or her trade, but not necessarily used to your company’s ways of doing things.
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Point out locations of first aid kits, fire extinguishers, restrooms and break rooms.
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Be sure your new co-worker is wearing the right PPE and is using it properly.
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Volunteer to serve as a mentor to the new employee to assure that safe work procedures are understood and followed.
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If you spot the new worker doing something wrong, tactfully explain the proper procedures. It’s easier to do this if a “coaching” role has been assigned or agreed upon.
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During lunch and breaks include him/her in the group so everyone can get better acquainted.
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Resist any temptation to complain about aspects of your job that you don’t like—get the new person started out on a positive note by passing on what’s good about the company.
- Perhaps most importantly, lead by example with correct work habits.
People helping people–lending hands for our safety.
Download Flyer: SMOTW_25_GS_Give New Co-workers Your Support.pdf (108.45 kb)
