General Safety Rules for New and Young Workers
WHAT’S AT STAKE
The workplace can be a hazardous place for new workers. Statistically, workers who have been in the workplace for up to two years are at much higher risk for injury and illness than experienced workers.
WHAT’S THE DANGER
There is a lot to know about working safely and what you don’t know can seriously hurt or even kill you.
EXAMPLE
A 17-year-old worker was fatally shocked while using a floor buffer on a wet floor in the tire and lube area of a large department store. Investigators found that the buffer, purchased used at a yard sale, had not been inspected and wasn’t in good working condition. Also, an extension cord had been spliced to the buffer.
The victim did not plug the floor polisher into a grounded outlet. When he turned the machine on, his knees buckled and he fell to the wet floor. The buffer landed on top of the young worker and continued to shock him. Another worker spotted the victim unresponsive on the floor. He was pronounced dead on arrival at hospital.
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF
Working safely benefits everyone. It helps you to take care of your long-term health. It helps you to get the job done. It helps management to save on injury and health costs. It helps the community we live in when we prevent or respond quickly to environmental hazards such as fires, explosions or toxic spills.
As you perform new work, you will be shown the proper and safe way to proceed. The hazards will be pointed out and any personal protective equipment (PPE) required for the job will be assigned. If you are in any doubt about any of the hazards, procedures or PPE, make sure you ask questions. Remember: The only dumb question is the one you don’t ask.
You’ll learn more about occupational safety and health standards and rules in scheduled safety meetings and training classes, but in the meantime, here are some general safety rules to bear in mind:
- Read and heed warning signs, such as “Hardhats Required” or “No Smoking Area.” These are posted for your safety.
- Understand the purpose of lockout/tagout and respect others’ locks and tags.
- Obey all safety instructions.
- Wear required PPE at all times.
- Be aware of emergency evacuation procedures and emergency exits.
- Keep your workplace neat and tidy.
- Walk, don’t run.
- Do not indulge in horseplay.
- Drugs and alcohol are not allowed in the workplace.
- Inspect electrical hand tools before use.
- Learn about the chemicals in your workplace. Read the warning labels and safety data sheets.
- Keep a lookout for other workers and work processes around you.
- Report anything that does not seem right or appears hazardous to you.
- Report accidents, injuries or illness immediately.
- Help keep the workplace safe.
- Ask questions if you are not sure.
FINAL WORD
Your company is serious about maintaining a safe workplace, and it needs your cooperation. Only you can decide to work safely. You are responsible for working safely and abiding
by all safety rules and regulations. If someone asks, “Who is responsible for safety?” you can answer, “I am.”
TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE
- Statistically, new workers are at much higher risk for injury and illness than experienced workers.
True False - What should a worker fully understand after being taught a new task?
________________________________________________________ - Lockout/tagout information does not apply to new workers.
True False - Neat and tidy workplaces are nice, but not essential to safety.
True False - What should you do before using an electrical hand tool?
________________________________________________________
What Would You Do?
You notice that your new co-worker is working unsafely and not wearing the proper PPE. You’re reluctant to say anything because you haven’t been at the job for very long yourself. What should you do?
_____________________________________________________________
Answers to Quiz:
1 True, 2 The associated hazards, the required PPE and the proper and safe way to perform the task, 3 False, 4 False, 5 Inspect it.
Before The Talk – 7 Preparation Tips
- All your new workers need a safety orientation. Besides the young, first-time workers, there are several other new workers who need training right away. These include part-timers, transferees from other jobs and departments, promoted workers and auxiliary staff. Check at this time to be sure everyone has received a safety introduction.
- Conduct a tour of your worksite for all attending today’s meeting, pointing out the general workplace hazards, rules and procedures. Even experienced workers will benefit from the reminders, such as areas where PPE is required, the reasons for some of the posted safety signs, the overhead hazards, etc.
- Use this meeting as an opportunity to demonstrate proper fitting and caring for PPE.
- Be prepared to discuss what happens when workers do not obey safety rules. Review the disciplinary action, explaining the process, such as written warnings, suspension, etc.
- Make sure that all your workers know what to do if things go wrong: how to get first aid, how to report injuries and incidents, how to find emergency exits and what to do in an emergency.
- Plan to review at this meeting how to report hazards and unsafe procedures.
- Young workers are prohibited from operating certain equipment and machinery. Is everyone aware of these restrictions?
