Learn how The ACT Arts Centre’s orientation and training program is keeping its most vulnerable employees safe on the job
Let’s face it—starting a new job can be nerve-wracking. Faced with information overload, new workers are often concerned about making a good impression, getting to know their workplace, and remembering their training in a new environment. These pressures are often why new workers—defined as workers of any age who are new to their workplace or industry—are more at risk of workplace injury. It’s estimated that one in five workers in Canada do not receive proper orientation when starting a new job. This makes new workers three times more likely to have a lost-time injury in their first month on the job. “Workers new to our industry can be particularly vulnerable when it comes to workplace injuries,” says Marett Alexander, Safety Supervisor at Actsafe. “Employers and supervisors are responsible for ensuring that all new workers are prepared for the job through effective orientation and training before they start work.
Helping new workers feel safe and confident
Landrie Davies knows a thing or two about orientation and training. As the Operations Manager for The ACT Arts Centre in Maple Ridge, she’s been supporting new workers in both front- and back-of-house positions for 20 years and says taking time to invest in employees early is beneficial to everyone.
“When workers feel supported in a workplace, they feel confident in what they do and will stay around longer,” says Landrie, who always begins her orientations by telling employees how happy The ACT is to have them. “It’s all about building the people that build the relationships that build the work. And if they succeed, then we succeed—it’s not sink or swim.”
The ACT’s new employee orientation begins with a building tour. This is followed by a review of employee terms and benefits, a review of key policies on topics such as bullying and harassment, and of course a thorough safety orientation. The ACT also has three safety boards managed by its joint health and safety committee, where staff can review recent meeting minutes and procedures on anything from dealing with sharps to bear spray.
When workers feel supported in a workplace, they feel confident in what they do and will stay around longer.”
LANDRIE DAVIS
Operations Manager, The ACT Arts Centre
“We give them the tools so they can easily locate health and safety information when they need it,” explains Landrie, adding that training can also be adapted depending on an individual’s learning style. “Everyone learns differently. It’s important to stop and look at how they can absorb the information you’re providing. By having one-on-one conversations and providing ongoing supervision, we can evaluate where workers are and provide them with additional support if needed.”
Shadoe Reisler, The ACT Arts Centre’s Technical Director, echoes this statement, adding that connecting with workers individually is key to ensuring everyone feels safe and comfortable on the job.
“If I give you a task you’re not comfortable with, don’t just go and do it. That puts everyone at risk,” he says. “If you’re uncomfortable, let’s sit down and talk about it. If you’re still uneasy about it, then we’ll find something else for you to do. I would never tell my people to do something I wouldn’t do myself.”
Everyone has different skill levels and experience, so we give workers the time they need to understand the system…”
SHADOE REISLER
Technical Director, The ACT Arts Centre
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.”
New Actsafe webpage for new workers
To support employers, supervisors, and workers, we’ve created a new page on the Actsafe website dedicated to new workers. You’ll find resources, checklists, and a variety of other tools to help ensure your new workers go home safely at the end of their workday. Check it out at www.actsafe.ca/topic/new-workers.
