So you have some new employees. In addition to the communication training you’ll be giving them as they onboard, you also
need to provide some basic safety training to help ensure they don’t hurt themselves. You can never take for granted their knowledge in this important area. Here are several safety topics to think about.
First Aid & Emergency: Where is the first-aid station located in your truck? What first-aid supplies can be found inside it? Should I call in the instance of an injury, and if so, to whom?
Housekeeping & Sanitation: Where is the waste-disposal area? Are there any materials that must be disposed of in a special manner? What are the procedures for daily cleanup?
Personal Protective Equipment: Are soft-soled shoes prohibited? Check eye- and ear-protection requirements! What other kinds of Personal Protective Equipment are needed?
Hand & Power Tools: Are you qualified to use the tools you will be using on this job?
Are all the required guards in place? Are your tools properly grounded?
Ladders: Is the ladder the right one for the job? Is it in good condition? Be sure the ladder is properly set up and secured. Always check a ladder prior to using it.
HazCom Training: Are you going to have to work with chemicals? Do you understand all of the precautions that must be taken?
With a new employee there are many safety topics that you need to think about. Some other subjects which may be of particular importance on your job are: working around heavy equipment, excavations and trenching, motor vehicles, scaffolds, fall protection, and electricity.
There is a lot of information that the new guy on the block needs to comprehend. If he or she has a question—tell them not to hesitate to ask. As a supervisor, you need to be able to answer any questions a new employee may have.