A new job always comes with a fresh set of challenges. Adapting to a new environment, colleagues and set of responsibilities is a process that takes time. However, one area you cannot afford to ease into is workplace safety.
Nothing is more important than your health and well-being, so your first task should be immersing yourself in all pertinent safety measures. Many new employees don’t take these precautions seriously, but doing anything less can be seriously dangerous. Not only can you inadvertently harm yourself, failing to learn proper safety processes can also put your colleagues and customers at risk.
Learn how to get up-to-speed on key workplace safety issues impacting your new job as quickly as possible. Use these 3 tips for prioritizing your safety:
Make Workplace Safety a Top Priority with These 3 Tips
Attend orientation
More than just a formality, new hire orientation offers valuable lessons to help you get acclimated. Most employers require new workers to attend this training, but even if yours does not, it’s wise to do so. During orientation, you’ll learn more about the company — including common safety concerns and ways to avoid them. Being educated on this issue is the best way to ensure you go home each day in the same condition in which you started your shift.
Ask questions
As a new employee, you’ll have plenty of questions until you get acclimated, so don’t be afraid to ask them. If you’re like many people, this may cause you to feel a bit self-conscious, but relax in knowing your manager and colleagues expect you to be filled with questions. It’s much better to ask for clarification on how to complete a task, than do it incorrectly and hurt yourself.
Listen to the advice of senior employees
Learning the ropes at a new job takes time, so when seasoned employees give you advice, really stop and listen. Rather than assuming they’re trying to be bossy or throw their weight around, take their words to heart and use them to stay safe. Instead of making the same mistakes these people did when they were new employees, you can use their experiences to avoid these blunders — and the bumps, bruises and burns that accompany them.
Contact the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) if you have concerns about your workplace safety.
Since 2003 LGC has been building connections between businesses with staffing needs and job seekers looking for new opportunities. Our range of solutions includes temporary and permanent placements (and everything in between) for a variety of industries. With offices located nationwide, we can tap into a dynamic pool of talented professionals. We have a passion for creating partnerships that last and work hard every day to ensure both clients and candidates reach their employment goals.