The first 90 days on the job are critical for safety part two

Note: This is the second in a four-part series on the challenges related to an employee’s first 90 days on the job. You can read the first here.

Analysis of workplace injury data reveals several common types of accidents that tend to occur more frequently among new employees during their initial 90 days on the job. Understanding these common pitfalls can help employers target their safety training and prevention efforts more effectively. Overexertion is a leading cause of injury for new employees, accounting for 29% of injuries according to data from Travelers. These injuries often result from improper lifting of heavy objects, repetitive motions that new employees may not be accustomed to, or awkward postures adopted without proper training or ergonomic awareness. The high prevalence of overexertion injuries suggests that training on correct lifting techniques and ergonomic principles might be insufficient or not effectively implemented during the initial onboarding period.

Slips, trips, and falls represent another significant category, accounting for 23% of injuries in the first year of employment and often leading to severe claims. New employees might be unfamiliar with the layout of the workplace, potential tripping hazards such as uneven surfaces or misplaced objects, or the importance of wearing appropriate footwear for the work environment. Clear signage indicating hazards, maintaining good housekeeping practices, and providing specific guidance on navigating the workspace safely are crucial for preventing these types of accidents among new hires who have not yet developed the same level of spatial awareness as more experienced workers.

Being struck by an object is also a common type of accident, particularly in workplaces involving moving equipment or materials. New employees might lack the necessary awareness of their surroundings or the skills to safely interact with machinery or handle objects. Thorough training on operating procedures, established traffic flow patterns within the workplace, and the safe handling of materials is essential to mitigate the risk of these incidents for new hires who may not anticipate the movement of objects or equipment in the same way that seasoned employees do. While not exclusive to new hires, strains, lacerations, and contusions are also frequently reported injuries. A new employee’s inexperience might make them more susceptible to these injuries due to improper tool usage, incorrect handling of materials, or a lack of awareness regarding potential pinch points or sharp edges.

Effective onboarding and training programs play a critical role in mitigating workplace safety risks for new hires during their initial employment period. Many injuries sustained by new employees are preventable through the implementation of proper precautions, comprehensive training, and a well-structured onboarding process. The first 90 days represent a crucial window of opportunity to equip new employees with the necessary safety tools and resources, integrate them into the company’s safety culture, and address any potential misunderstandings or communication gaps. Investing in robust safety onboarding and ongoing training is not merely a matter of regulatory compliance but a proactive strategy that can significantly reduce the likelihood of accidents and their associated costs.

Onboarding should aim to fully integrate new employees into the company’s safety culture, emphasizing its paramount importance and the responsibility of every employee in maintaining a safe working environment. Providing new hires with the necessary safety tools, equipment, and relevant information from the outset demonstrates the employer’s commitment to their well-being and empowers them to perform their duties safely. Furthermore, the onboarding process should actively encourage open communication, providing ample opportunities for new employees to ask questions and seek clarification on any safety procedures or concerns they may have.

When it comes to safety training, strategies that move beyond passive information delivery, such as PowerPoint presentations, are more effective. Incorporating interactive and iterative processes, including hands-on exercises, simulations, and competency verification, can significantly enhance engagement and ensure that new employees not only understand safety procedures but can also apply them correctly. Job shadowing and mentoring programs, where new hires are paired with experienced workers who consistently adhere to safety guidelines, can provide invaluable real-world learning and reinforce the company’s commitment to safety. Employers should also explicitly demonstrate how to perform each step of a job safely, potentially utilizing video documentation to ensure consistency and clarity in conveying expectations.

For further assistance in managing employee-related safety and worker’s compensation claims in your organization you can contact us directly, during business hours, using our chat feature, by phone at 1-844-377-9545, or you can reach us by email at [email protected], and you can always connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.