Experience and Training to Recognize Hazards
The first few weeks in a new job are full of new information and changes the new employee is expected to learn. Whether the new employee has been in the workforce for years or is just entering, being in a new environment and position inherently means there are new hazards the employee may not be familiar with. It is critical for new employees to be made aware of the actual and potential hazards of the workplace regularly for the first few weeks of their employment.
Adequate Supervision
Integrating an employee into the organization and new position is a long-term and gradual process that requires regular communication and feedback from a competent employee. According to Occupational Health and Safety legislation, employers are responsible for appointing competent supervisors. While the employer is ultimately responsible for all employee health and safety, supervisors are second only to employers in terms of their legal duties to protect workers from harm. In order to be considered “competent” the supervisor must be:
qualified because of knowledge, training, and experience to organize the work and its performance;
familiar with the Act and its regulations; and
knowledgeable about any potential or actual danger to health or safety in the workplace.
Having well-trained supervisors will help create a positive and safe work culture, decrease lost time, medical and disability costs, and help protect the organization from corporate liability, prosecution and fines for failing to protect workers (which can include individual fines of $100,000 and/or 12 months in jail, or corporation fines up to $1.5 million).
Adequate Orientation
Orientation is that first step to the onboarding process where the employee receives all the necessary training on policies and procedures of the organization before getting started on the job. This is the opportunity for employers to complete all mandatory health and safety training required for the job. According to Occupational Health and Safety legislation, before an employee can begin work, they must receive training on how to do the job safely, be provided with necessary resources and, depending on the job, are legally required to complete certain training. Further, employers must identify the hazards on the job and communicate those hazards and the controls in place to all employees.
Starting off the employment relationship with a health and safety focus has the potential to save your organization money, build trust, increase employee well-being, and enhance the safety culture.
Your HR business partner, or services like our Orientation and Onboarding Checklist, can help you optimize your individual Orientation and Onboarding Program.
For professional HR advice that you can trust, contact us today!
Lisa Isaac HR Professional Serviceswww.LisaIsaacHR.com
From the LIHR team and lead collaborator, Justine Perdeaux, HR Advisor Justine@LisaIsaacHR.com
