It is an understood maxim that workers are just as likely to have an accident in the first SIX months when starting a new job in a new workplace, as they are during the rest of their working lives.
Workers new to a workplace can face unfamiliar risks as they undertake their new job, in a new workplace, with which they are also unfamiliar.
HSE has specific guidance to protect those new to a job (available here.), which includes an in-depth guide which provides 6 steps to protect new workers: These are:
- Recognising and managing their individual capability (both mental and physical);
- Providing a site induction;
- Having in place specific control measures to manage risk of harm;
- Providing information to all members of staff/workers;
- Providing adequate and appropriate supervision until a level of competency has been demonstrably proven; and lastly
- Checking that each new starter has sufficient understanding of the above.
Why is the risk expected to be so pronounced?
This is due to a number of factors:
- If starting as a school leaver or from a place of higher education, they may be unfamiliar with working at all, its type of regimens, and their place in the workplace hierarchy, likely suffering from a lack of work, or even life experience;
- They may be working in a completely different field, requiring different procedural tasks and activities to be learned/undertaken and are also likely working within an unfamiliar workplace;
- They may be a little timid, not wanting to raise their head above any parapets, not wanting to appear lacking, or just not sure of what concerns they can raise, and how to raise them.
- They may, on the other hand, be too eager to please, and or impress their workmates, supervisory staff and / or management, and disguise their lack of understanding.
How can this affect a new worker?
This means workers new to a workplace may:
- Not recognise hazards for what they are – a potential source of danger;
- Not understand what to experienced hands would be “obvious rules”, for say, equipment use;
- Not be familiar with the workplace and its layout – especially if site hazards can change from day to day;
- Ignore warning signs and rules or cut corners.
Let’s take the 6 steps one at a time
Capability – to assess a new starter’s capabilities, look at the following:
- Can they read and write English, and do they have sufficient numeracy skills appropriate for the work activities, and are there any cultural or linguistic barriers to be overcome?
- How is their general health and fitness levels – can they physically cope with the work?
- What is their work experience, and is it relevant to what they will be required to do?
- What familiarity is there with the work to be done and the environment being worked in, and do those working conditions alter from day to day?
Induction – Walk the site with new employees, explaining hazards plainly and pointing out specific areas such as emergency escape routes / form up points / areas which need authorisation to enter etc.
Control Measures – these should be reviewed regularly and kept up to date by:
- Discussing with current employees, and if relevant, health and safety representatives, the businesses risk profiles and how to make sure all new starters are protected;
- Stressing the importance of reporting any accidents and/or near misses to any new employee;
- Putting in place a methodology / arrangement for arranging health surveillance where applicable;
- Providing for and maintaining suitable personal protective equipment as needed are determined by risk assessment.
Information – Provide whatever information, instruction and training is both relevant and pertinent to the work activities and the hazards / risks new workers will be exposed to when conducting them, possibly for the very first time and how those should be avoided.
Supervision – A difficult position to fill occasionally, a good supervisor needs to know enough about the work to be effective and also be approachable enough to be supportive. Make sure new workers know who they are and how to raise concerns with them. Supervisors should be aware of and on the lookout for any new worker who is finding it difficult to raise concerns because of unfamiliarity and inexperience.
Understanding – Check that inductees and new workers (who could be full-time, part-time, casual, agency workers/temps, etc.) have understood the information, instruction and training they have undertaken and are in a position to use and act on it. In particular, check they understand:
- Who they can go and speak to;
- How they can raise any concerns they have about health and safety;
- The emergency arrangements and procedures (first aid, evacuation for fire or other reasons, etc.).
Remember that young people (Under 18s), those fresh from higher education and starting out in the employment world, and migrant workers, who may not have a perfect grasp of the language or even just how things are done, may need that little bit more attention than a seasoned and experienced local worker, and as these people are specifically protected in law, they should be afforded a higher level of attention.
To avoid accidents, causing harm and facing prosecution, ensure your business complies with health and safety law in 2025 by:
- Conducting risk assessments as and when required (prior to undertaking activities).
- Providing training regarding the risks involved and how to manage them.
- Supervising risk management, as necessary, until competence is demonstrated.
- Formally reviewing risk assessments and associated safe systems of work regularly.
- Updating training provided (toolbox talks, in-house or external formal training).
- Keeping/updating records of all the above processes.
Need help with any health & safety related issues?
Do not hesitate to contact your health & safety consultancy.