Help new workers be safe on day one
Training is one of the most important elements in a safety and health program. We often get questions about what training OSHA requires for new employees. There’s no list of requirements specifically for new employees. A best practice is to review each applicable OSHA rule for its employee training and information requirements. OSHA’s training requirements range from general statements such as, “Only trained persons shall operate ...” to detailed outlines of what topics the employer must cover during the training session.
That said, let’s look at a few safety training basics. Employees should know:
- What to do in case of an emergency. Employees must be aware of the procedures to follow in the event of a fire and other emergencies. They must be familiar with:
- When to call 911,
- The route to take during an evacuation and where to assemble,
- Areas to shelter in place when appropriate, and
- Who to ask for more information.
- What to do if they’re injured on the job. Make sure employees know who needs to be told about the injury and how to get first aid and medical treatment. Employees must understand that they may not be punished in any way for reporting an injury or illness.
- The procedures for reporting hazards and near-miss incidents. Employees should report any near-miss or hazard that could have caused an injury, even if there was no injury involved. The purpose of the reporting is to trigger an investigation into what went wrong. Repairs and/or updated procedures can be put into place to prevent a recurrence.
- The importance of good housekeeping habits. Encourage workers to take a little time each day to put things away and clean up their workstation. A clean, organized workplace offers several benefits:
- Materials and tools are easier to find and harder to lose;
- Obsolete items are more noticeable, so it’s easier to dispose of materials that aren’t needed;
- Less clutter means a lower risk for fire;
- Clean, clear aisles and floors reduce the risk for slips, trips, and falls;
- Stable storage means materials won’t fall onto workers; and
- Proper disposal reduces the risk for workers getting cuts and other injuries from contact with broken items and debris.
Key to remember: Employers should look at individual OSHA regulations for training requirements applicable to their employees’ job duties, however, there are some workplace safety basics that all new employees should know.
