How should I address new employee safety orientation training?

New employees have a lot on their minds besides safety training. They’re concerned about everything from where to park or catch the bus to who their coworkers are, where their workstation is, what the employee benefits are, where they can eat lunch, etc. It’s easy to see how they can be distracted during their safety orientation.

You know how important safety is to new employees, but you have to make them realize it before they face the hazards in your workplace. Make sure you spend some time with new hires on their first day.

First, you need to get their attention. Satisfy their curiosity about their new job by taking them on an in-depth tour of their work areas. This lets you give them a good first impression of the job’s hazards and the importance of the protective measures that are in place.

Back in the classroom, start your training with important “need to know”topics. Training on the facility’s Emergency Action Plan, how to report injuries or hazards, warning signs, the hazard communication program, personal protective equipment (PPE), and/or lifting safety might be necessary before new employees can get started on their jobs. Relate the training to what they saw during your tour.

On the first day, give the trainees a safety handbook or a binder of basic safety information, rules, and policies. If you’ve issued them PPE, make sure they have a place to keep it. Set up a schedule for their next training sessions. Avoid information overload, but make sure they are adequately prepared for their jobs.