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Welcoming New Starters: Safety in the First Weeks
Look after new team members because workers are at the highest risk of injury during their first weeks on site.
Why this matters
- Starting a new job is overwhelming. A new worker might be experienced in their trade, but they do not know this specific site, our specific hazards, or our emergency procedures yet. They may feel pressure to work fast to impress the team, which leads to mistakes.
- Data from across the industry shows that a large number of accidents happen to people who have been on the job for less than a month. They are often shy to ask questions and might try to figure things out on their own. This is when serious incidents occur.
Talking points
- Introduce yourself: A friendly team is a safe team. Make the new worker feel comfortable enough to speak up if they see a hazard.
- Show them the basics: Do not assume they know where the toilets, the cool water stations, or the first aid kits are located.
- Explain the local hazards: Point out specific risks in our work area, such as a hidden trip hazard or a busy vehicle route.
- Verify their understanding: If you give a new starter a task, ask them to explain back to you how they plan to do it safely.
- Correct them kindly: If you see a new worker using a tool incorrectly or forgetting PPE, stop them and show them the right way without being aggressive.
- Watch for signs of fatigue: New starters often struggle more with the heat and the pace of work as they adjust to our site routine.
Ask the crew
- Do you remember your first day here and what was most confusing for you?
- If you see a new starter doing something unsafe, how would you approach them?
- Who is the new person in our crew today, and have they been shown the muster point?
Download the PDF with attendance sheet
More general site talks
Change of Plan: Why You Must Stop and ReassessWaste Segregation: More Than Just CleaningWorking with Other Contractors: Coordination and Shared HazardsEnd of Shift: Securing the Workplace Before You LeaveStop Work Authority: You Have the Power to Say NoEmergency Readiness: Numbers, First Aiders, and Assembly Points
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