One of the most common deficiencies found in a workplace’s employee safety training program is incomplete or nonexistent new employee safety training. And unfortunately, new employees are commonly those involved in workplace injuries and illnesses. During a workplace injury and or illness investigation, it is often found that lack of training is at the root cause of the incident. Employees have the right to know the hazards they will be exposed to at a workplace, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that employers provide workplace safety training relevant to the employee’s job tasks at the employee’s initial assignment.
OSHA standards require that employees receive training so that work will be performed in a safe and healthful manner. Some of these standards require “training” or “instruction,” others require “adequate” or “effective” training or instruction, and still others require training “in a manner” or “in language” that is understandable to employees.
Training Basics
No matter what training style or curriculum you use, each and every employee must be able to fully understand it. Obviously, if you have workers that cannot speak English, the training must be provided in the language that they will understand. And, if an employee has difficulty reading, the training must be provided in a manner, other than sit down and read the information. I have never been impressed with a safety training presentation in which the employee just sits down and reads a pamphlet full of safety rules. When this type of training is performed, a documented evaluation test is recommend to gauge the employee’s knowledge of the materials. Most experts agree that classroom instruction, or one-on-one instruction is the best method. Then, after the training, walk the new employee around the facility to familiarize them with safety program components. These steps will go a long way in embedding the information in their mind.
Does this training need to take days? No, but it must be in-depth and cover those workplace safety program components related to the employee’s position. My clients use a form that I designed called the New Employee Safety Orientation. See Sidebar 1.
Documentation Provides Written Record of Your Program
The sample document meets the minimum standards of new employee safety training, and then can be followed up with the safety program components relevant to the employee’s job tasks. Before an employee starts actually working, he or she must be introduced to the company’s safety program.
OSHA does not state that all training be documented, but most experts agree that documentation is a key to proving you actually do it. The general rule of thumb is, “If you don’t document it, you might as well not do it.” When faced with a lawsuit or OSHA challenge, there is nothing more valuable to have on your side than documentation.
Additional Training Beyond the Basics
When the new employee is walked around the workplace and introduced to the components listed in the orientation form, he/she remembers the orientation better than if the information is communicated in a stale conference room somewhere. The form also documents the training as per OSHA requirements. You can list additional safety program components, safety equipment, personal protective equipment and facility related items as needed.
In previous articles we have provided training materials for the new hazard communication system and lockout tagout for the effected employee level training.
The sample form will address the required training for many non-equipment operating employees, and those that are not exposed to hazardous environments. For those situations, you may need to complete additional training. See Sidebar 2.
There is a wealth of information available for employers. OSHA offers employers brochures and
guides for training. Also, the following web address provides OSHA training requirement information https://www.osha.gov/Publications/osha2254.pdf.
You can also simply go to the federal OSHA website, and simply type your topic in the search box at www.osha.gov/index.html.
Editor’s Note: Jary Winstead is a safety consultant, author and trainer who serves a variety of industries including the forest products sector. He owns Work Safety Services LLC and can be reached at SAFEJARY@aol.com.
Sidebar 1
New Employee Safety Orientation
Employee Name:_____________________________________________ Date _________/_________/_________
Each and every employee is encouraged to be an active part of the company’s safety program. As part of our new employee orientation and company safety program, new employees are introduced to general safety program components. This assures every employee will know what to do in case of a workplace hazard, accident, or an emergency.
o Employee received the new employee orientation training. This included a review of the company’s Injury and Illness Prevention Program.
o Workplace Written Safety Programs
o Safety Program Administrator
o Control of Hazardous Energy (Effected Employee Level)
o Globally Harmonized System and Hazard Communication
As the new employee is physically walked through the workplace, check off each item as it is introduced.
o Emergency Action Plan
o First Aid Kit
o Eye Wash Station / Emergency Shower
o Fire Alarm
o Fire Extinguishers
o Personal Protective Equipment o Check if PPE is not required for position
o Safety Glasses
o Safety Goggles
o CPR Breathing Barriers
o Restrooms o Drinking water
o Break and lunch area o No smoking areas
o Hazardous areas (Equipment lanes, chemicals, Terrain hazards, etc.)
When the orientation is completed, and the listed items are reviewed, the employee and the person conducting the introduction shall place their signature below to verify the orientation has been completed.
____________________________________________ _________________________________________
Employee Signature Employer Representative
Sidebar 2
Other, Non-Standard Training Topics
• Bloodborne pathogen exposure controls and universal precautions
• Confined space
• Control of hazardous energy / lockout tagout
• Equipment specific operation and safety
• Forklift operation certification
• Fall protection
• Fire prevention and emergencies
• First aid certification
• Fleet safety
• Hazard communication and the globally harmonized system
• Hearing conservation
• Hot work
• Personnel lifts and power platforms
• Respiratory protection
