Planning to Ensure New and Young Workers are Safe on the Job this Spring

1. Mentorship and Buddy System

• Assign a Mentor: Pair new workers with experienced team members who can guide them, show them the ropes, and help them understand safety protocols.
• Buddy System: Ensure that the new worker is never alone, especially in unfamiliar or potentially hazardous situations. This helps them feel supported and learn more effectively.

2. Clear Communication

• Safety Briefings: Hold more frequent safety meetings to address any concerns, go over specific job hazards, and update on any changes in procedures.
• Encourage Questions: Let the new workers know that it’s okay to ask questions if they don’t understand something. This creates an open environment where they feel comfortable learning.
• Use Simple Language: Avoid using jargon that may confuse new workers. Ensure everyone understands the instructions or safety guidelines.

3. Safety Training

• Provide Comprehensive Training: Ensure all workers, especially new ones, undergo safety training that covers site hazards, the safe way of avoiding those hazards, first-aid procedures, personal protective and emergency protocols.
• Hands-On Demonstrations: Whenever possible, demonstrate how to use tools and equipment safely, and give new workers opportunities to practice under supervision.
• Ongoing Learning: Safety training shouldn’t be a one-time thing. Encourage regular refresher courses or safety drills, particularly for younger workers who may need more guidance.

4. Set a Positive Example

• Lead by Example: Experienced workers should always follow safety protocols to set a good example. New workers will likely emulate the behaviors they see.
• Safety Culture: Foster a culture where safety is prioritized, and everyone, regardless of experience level, takes responsibility for their own and others’ well-being.

5. Supervision and Oversight

• Close Supervision: New and young workers should be closely supervised, especially during the first few days or weeks on the job. This helps prevent mistakes that could lead to accidents.
• Regular Check-ins: Supervisors should make a habit of checking in with new workers to ensure they feel confident in their tasks and understand the safety protocols.

6. Encourage Reporting of Hazards

• Encourage Reporting: Stress the importance of reporting any unsafe conditions or incidents, no matter how small they may seem. This empowers workers to contribute to a safer work environment.
• No Retaliation Policy: Ensure workers know that reporting hazards or unsafe conditions won’t result in negative consequences. This encourages a culture of safety where everyone is accountable.

7. Clear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Guidelines

• Proper PPE Use: Make sure that new workers understand the importance of using the right personal protective equipment (PPE) and show them how to wear it properly.
• Regular Inspections: Have regular checks to ensure that new workers are using their PPE correctly and replacing it when it becomes worn or damaged.

8. Address Fatigue and Mental Health

• Watch for Fatigue: New workers, especially young ones, may push themselves too hard. Encourage regular breaks and proper rest.
• Mental Health Awareness: Construction can be physically and mentally demanding. Offer resources or support for mental health, ensuring workers know where to turn if they feel overwhelmed.

9. Emphasize the Importance of Rest and Hydration

• Stay Hydrated: Encourage new workers to drink plenty of water and take breaks, especially during hot weather or physically demanding tasks.
• Get Enough Sleep: Make sure they understand the importance of being well-rested to stay focused and avoid accidents.

10. Involve Them in Safety Planning

• Involve Them in Safety Procedures: Include new workers in safety planning, such as risk assessments or pre-task safety meetings. This can help them better understand the hazards on the job and how to avoid them.

11. Be Patient and Understand Their Limits

• Take it Slow: Recognize that new workers may need time to adjust to the demands of construction work. Be patient and allow them to gain confidence at a reasonable pace.
• Monitor Their Comfort Levels: Keep an eye on how comfortable and confident the new workers feel with their tasks. Offer additional guidance if needed.

12. Last and most important, ensure workers understand their rights and responsibilities.

• Rights: include the right to know about hazards and the safe way of doing the work, the right to refuse dangerous work, the right to participate is safety and health matters and the right to be free from discrimination.
• Responsibilities: review your company’s safety policies and rules and ensure that they are understood, coached and enforced.