According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 40% of workers injured, have been on the job less than one year. Why are new workers more likely to be hurt?

The main reason given is a lack of safety information provided by the employer. In a BLS study of workers injured while operating power saws, nearly one in five said that no safety training on the equipment was provided.

Many employers want to do the right thing and provide the proper training to new employees but don’t know where to get started.

Here are the basics to cover during a New Employee Orientation:

1) Safety Objectives and Goals

Let new employees know about your organization’s overall safety program, including the safety objectives and goals. Reiterate that every employee plays a large part in helping to meet these goals.

2) Reporting Accidents, Injuries and Near Misses

OSHA has specific record keeping requirements that must be followed in the event of an incident. Train new employees on the importance of reporting any accident, injury or near miss immediately. Review the process with them and explain the steps they need to take.

3) What to do in Case of An Emergency

Employees should be trained on emergency action plans and be aware of procedures to follow to protect themselves and others. Review emergency action plans regularly to ensure everyone understands what needs to be done.

4) Warning Signs and Tags

Many operations involve a certain element of risk. Safety signs and tags are a means of preventing workplace accidents by illustrating the hazards that are present in a particular work area. Instruct new employees on what certain signs and symbols represent and the corresponding hazards, as well as the appropriate PPE for that area.

5) Fire Safety

The best protection is fire prevention. Train new employees on how a fire starts and what is needed to extinguish it. Teach employees how to properly use an extinguisher and show employees where extinguishers are located. Additionally, review your facilities Emergency Action Plan, including what to do in the event of being trapped.

6) Hazard Communications

Approximately 32 million workers are exposed to one or more chemical hazards in the U.S. each year. Provide new employees with effective information on any chemicals in your workplace and discuss the hazards associated with them. It’s important to also review your specific Hazard Communication program and use proper work practices to limit exposure.

7) Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Some jobs involve hazards that cannot be eliminated through engineering controls. Assess your workplace hazards and determine if PPE is needed. When selecting the appropriate PPE make sure it fits properly and protects against the hazards present in your workplace. Train new employees to know when PPE is necessary, how to wear PPE and the proper care and maintenance of PPE. 

8) Lockout/Tagout

Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) is a warning and prevention system for unexpected startup and release of stored energy. Employees servicing equipment must be trained in depth and employees working nearby should also be trained. 

9) Housekeeping

Housekeeping is not just clean floors – it is the best indicator of safety. Train employees on proper housekeeping procedures including how to properly store equipment and how to prevent, detect and clean up leaks and spills.

10) Safe Lifting Techniques

Most back problems are preventable. There are a variety of stresses that improper lifting, twisting and bending can put on the back. Train employees on the proper lifting techniques and stress that if it’s too heavy, ask for assistance.

11) Electrical Safety

Hundreds of deaths are attributed to contact with electrical current each year. Teach your employees how to identify electrical hazards and review the proper PPE to wear when working with electricity. 

12) Hearing Conservation

Noise is a pervasive occupational health problem and is a by-product of many industrial processes. Noise can make you tired and irritable, increase your stress level and make you miss important warnings. Steps should be taken to reduce noise levels wherever possible, and the appropriate PPE should be provided. Employees must be trained to understand noise hazards and to take appropriate precautions when they are exposed to excessive noise.

Effective training results in effective safety measures on the job. Safety training helps your business prevent workplace accidents and increases productivity. Safety training ensures that proper protective measures are taken, preventing accidents and the associated financial costs.