Every workplace has its own risks and safety procedures. While the familiarity of long-time employees can help protect them on the job, newer employees may take time to catch up with this vital information.
As newcomers adjust to a different environment and learn new tasks, they face unique challenges and vulnerabilities that can increase their likelihood of experiencing workplace accidents. In fact, a 2022 study found that 35 percent of job-related injuries occur during a worker’s first year on the job. What factors put new employees at risk?
New employees lack experience.
The initial period in a new job can be overwhelming. New employees must learn new skills, adapt to the culture of the workplace and build relationships with colleagues and supervisors. During this adjustment phase, they may not focus fully on safety issues. Their inexperience can lead to misunderstanding or underestimating workplace hazards.
People may not have the training they need early in their employment.
Proper training is crucial for ensuring worker safety, yet many employers rush this training or overlook it entirely. Effective training programs educate new hires about safety protocols and emergency procedures. Inadequate training can leave employees ill-prepared to handle the machinery they’re operating or to navigate the complexities of hazardous work environments.
New employees may not be as able to spot faulty equipment.
Sometimes, the equipment that new employees operates may not be in the best condition. This issue is particularly acute in industries that utilize costly equipment. Sometimes, maintenance can lag or training on the specific equipment might not be adequate. New employees are generally less likely to recognize when equipment is faulty or to know how to properly report it.
Workers’ compensation plays a critical role for injured employees at any stage of their career. It not only provides financial assistance to injured workers but also serves as a safety net that can help reduce the fear of reporting injuries or unsafe conditions. Employers must encourage this reporting culture and ensure that new hires are aware of their rights and the procedures to follow in case of an accident.
While new employees face elevated risk in the workplace, they do not have to deal with the results of these hazards alone. Workers’ compensation can help them recover and continue to thrive on the job.