New employees are drowning in safety information overload. How can you help them stay afloat?
Starting a new job can be an exciting yet overwhelming experience, especially when it comes to understanding workplace safety. For new employees, the flood of safety protocols, emergency procedures, and hazard recognitions can feel like a tidal wave of information. It's crucial to ensure they are not only informed but also comfortable and confident in their ability to respond to potential safety issues. This article will dive into strategies to help new hires navigate the sea of safety information without feeling overwhelmed.
-
Dustin HickeySenior Vice President | CSP, CRSP, CMIOSH1 Reply
-
Mike Allocco, Emeritus Fellow ISSSSystem Safety Engineering and Management of Complex Systems; Risk Management Advisor...Complex System Risks
-
Ahmed AdelExperienced HSE Lead @ Agiba - ENI JV| Ensuring Safety, Compliance, and Operational Excellence. | NEBOSH IGC & PSM |…
When presenting safety information to new employees, simplicity is key. Instead of bombarding them with complex jargon and intricate details, break down the information into clear, manageable concepts. Use plain language and avoid industry-specific terms that might confuse someone just starting out. By focusing on the essentials and delivering them in an easy-to-understand format, you can make the learning process less intimidating and more effective.
-
Enable all stakeholders to do this... Define the system… 1 Define the system needs 2 Define the system 3 Decompose the system 4 Perturb system 5 Develop and define risk criteria 6 Design adverse progressions 7 Define risks with minimal controls 8 Design controls to enable acceptable levels of risk 9 Rank risks and address high to low risks 10 Develop and design system monitoring: early detection, isolation, correction, contingency and recovery 11 Continually validate and verify risk controls 12 Monitor the system and revise analyses due to system dynamics....
-
1- HSE orientation This is a program that any new hired employee must attend as it includes basic HSE knowledge about the company HSE policy, driving policy, emergency situations and reporting, PTW system, golden rules or life saving rules which are applied in the company..etc 2- HSE Preliminary awareness program This is a second step and it includes more detailed information about more advanced topics including hazard identification, risk assessment, HAZCOM, electrical and mechanical hazards and controls etc 3-HSE awareness sessions and safety stand down This is done as per HSE training plan to ensure that all workers receive periodic training about different HSE topics for continuous improvement and refreshment for knowledge.
Visual aids can be incredibly powerful in reinforcing safety information. Instead of relying solely on lengthy documents or verbal explanations, incorporate diagrams, infographics, and videos that illustrate key points. These tools can help new employees visualize what they need to know, making the information more memorable and easier to digest. Visuals often transcend language barriers as well, ensuring all employees have access to the same level of understanding.
There's no substitute for hands-on experience. Provide practical training sessions where new employees can apply what they've learned in a controlled environment. This could involve simulations, role-playing exercises, or walk-throughs of safety procedures. Hands-on training not only reinforces the theoretical knowledge but also builds confidence as employees get a feel for the real-world application of safety practices.
-
While theoretical knowledge is essential, practical application is crucial for truly understanding and internalizing safety concepts. To help new employees grasp the importance of safety training, providing them with hands-on experience through cases, scenarios, and engaging simulations is essential. For example, present case studies of past incidents within the company or industry. Discuss what happened, why, the consequences, and how it could have been prevented. This contextualizes the theory and shows the real-world implications of safety violations.
Pairing new employees with seasoned mentors can be a lifesaver in navigating workplace safety. A mentor can provide guidance, answer questions, and offer insights from their own experiences. This one-on-one interaction creates a supportive learning environment where new hires can address their concerns without fear of judgment. It also helps to foster a safety culture where knowledge is shared and valued.
Establishing open channels for feedback is essential in ensuring that safety information is understood and retained. Encourage new employees to ask questions and express any confusion they may have. Use their feedback to adjust the delivery of safety information, making it more accessible and relevant. This two-way communication not only improves safety training but also makes new hires feel heard and valued.
Finally, remember that learning about workplace safety is not a one-time event but an ongoing process. Provide continuous support through refresher courses, updates on new regulations, and regular safety meetings. This approach helps keep safety at the forefront of everyone's mind and allows new employees to stay current with best practices as they evolve within the company.
-
A form of ongoing support for employees is “micro training.” The theory behind micro training is to break information into smaller, bite-size modules that are easily digestible. By reducing the training time, but increasing the training frequency (e.g. 10 minutes per day versus 1 hour per week), the result is better understanding and retention of the training material. This also offers a more steady and consistent flow of information to keep people focused.
-
Consistency, buy-in and follow-through are key. Many Safety Programs and initiatives fall victim to the "30 day cycle" - an initial roll out and a slow evaporation into distant memory. Various factors can contribute to this cycle, but demonstrating the program's value to employees and securing their buy-in, consistently fostering the program, and having leadership champion it will help ensure the safety information, program, or initiative endures.
-
A form of ongoing support for employees is “micro training.” The theory behind micro training is to break information into smaller, bite-size modules that are easily digestible. By reducing the training time, but increasing the training frequency (e.g. 10 minutes per day versus 1 hour per week), the result is better understanding and retention of the training material. This also offers a more steady and consistent flow of information to keep people focused.
Rate this article
More relevant reading
-
Workplace SafetyHere's how you can effectively communicate safety updates and changes to employees.
-
Workplace SafetyYour team faces safety concerns. How can you ensure every member knows how to report them?
-
Workplace SafetyHow can a mentor boost your confidence as a workplace safety professional?
-
Workplace SafetyHere's how you can establish active communication channels to address safety issues in real-time.