Shadoe also likes to ensure all new workers are paired up with either a supervisor or a co-worker who can show them the ropes and answer questions.
“Everyone has different skill levels and experience, so we give workers the time they need to understand the system they’re working with and its regulations and procedures. Supervisors are always around and check back to make sure everyone is doing their work safely and correctly.”
Regulation for new worker orientation
According to WorkSafeBC, workers in their first month of a new job are three times more likely to get injured at work. Why? Marett cites inexperience, lack of understanding of their rights, and unwillingness to ask questions as common reasons, but also lack of preparation and training for the workplace.
“Providing effective orientation and training is the best way to prevent workplace incidents,” she says, adding that training should be specific to the workplace.
Sections 3.22 to 3.25 of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation outline specific requirements employers must follow when working with new workers. Orientation and training must include the following topics:
- Contact information for the worker’s supervisor and joint health and safety committee or worker representatives.
- Workplace health and safety rules, as well as hazards that workers may be exposed to. This includes working alone or in isolation and violence in the workplace.
- Personal protective equipment that is required.
- Emergency procedures and location of first aid facilities.
- Proper instruction and demonstration of the worker’s tasks and work processes.
Employers are also required to document and keep records of all training provided to new workers, as per section 3.25. WorkSafeBC has many resources, including a Young and New Worker Orientation Checklist and a Young & New Workers webpage to support employers and supervisors in keeping their workers safe at work.
No such thing as a silly question
Having worked with many new workers throughout her career, Landrie’s biggest piece of advice for workers who are new to their job site or industry is to ask for help.
“There’s no such thing as a silly question. We don’t expect you to have all the fundamentals or understanding of what your role is on day one. The best thing you can do to keep yourself and others around you safe is to ask for help when you’re unsure about something,” she says. “A workplace injury can have a negative impact for a long time—not just for the worker, but for you as the employer, the workplace, and your business. Demonstrate the value of safety for your team, and they’ll become advocates for it too.”