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Health and safety for new starters - reducing the risk in the first 6 months
Starting a new job is exciting, but it’s also when people are most at risk of injury. Research shows that new employees - and that's including temps, agency staff and gig workers too - are significantly more likely to have an accident within the first six months. The good news is that with the right approach, these risks can be reduced. Every new starter at a company can be made to feel safe, confident and supported from day one.
They’re unfamiliar with the new workplace, new processes, and often the equipment. They may hesitate to ask questions because they don't want to admit there's something they don't know. Or they not realise what’s expected of them in terms of health and safety. That’s why it’s so important to make health and safety for new starters part of the conversation right from the start.
A good health and safety induction doesn’t need to be long-winded and boring! It just needs to be clear, relevant and tailored to your environment. Walk new employees through potential hazards, explain how to report concerns, and show them how to use any equipment properly. Importantly, introduce new starters to the people they can turn to with questions. This small step can make a big difference to health and safety for new starters.
Temporary staff, agency workers and freelancers should receive the same level of attention as full-time members of the team. Even if they’re only on site for a short time, they still face the same risks. Make sure they understand how your workplace runs and feel comfortable raising concerns.
A quick check-in after the first week - and again after a month or two - can really help reinforce key messages. This also gives people a chance to ask questions they didn’t think of earlier - or that they didn't have the confidence to ask. It shows that you take safety seriously and care about your team’s wellbeing.
Creating a safe start doesn’t need to be complicated. Be clear, be consistent, and make sure every new person that joins the team - no matter how long they’re with you - knows how to stay safe. A bit of time early on can help prevent accidents and build a strong safety culture from day one.
If you need help with health and safety for new starters, contact us today about our consultancy services. Follow us on Facebook for more tips and insights into workplace safety.
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