Summer is here, and that means many businesses are hiring for the season. Kart Vyas, Specialized Health and Safety Consultant with WSPS, wants to remind employers about their responsibility to provide health and safety training for all new hires. That responsibility is particularly important when hiring new or young workers who may not have much experience in the workplace.

Whether they are working as a server, cashier, or part of a grounds crew, we know that new and young workers are more likely to experience an injury than more experienced workers. Studies have indicated they are as much as four times more likely to have a workplace injury during their first month on the job than at any other time.

“When I talk about general health and safety training, I usually break it down into two groups. There is the specific training that is legally required, and then there are best practices,” says Kart. “Following these best practices for training may help employers in demonstrating due diligence. It shows that they are proactively taking steps to protect their workers by going beyond the minimum requirements.”

Mandatory awareness training: What you need to know

In Ontario, general workplace safety training called Basic Occupational Health and Safety Awareness Training is legally required for all workers, regardless of the type of work they are doing. This training is free online for both workers and supervisors. This training is mandated under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) as part of Ontario Regulation 297/13. This training gives new and young workers an introduction to basic health and safety concepts, including:

• the rights and responsibilities of workplace parties,
• violence and harassment,
• how to recognize, asses, and control common workplace hazards.

In addition to general health and safety training, employers are required to provide training in specific areas, depending on the work that will be done. This job-specific training ensures that workers know how to perform their specific tasks safely.

“For example, if you have a worker who will operate a forklift, that worker must complete specialized forklift training before they operate that equipment. If you have a worker who will be working at heights, that worker must complete mandatory Working at Heights training. If there are chemicals at the workplace that workers may use, they must complete WHMIS training,” explains Kart.

The employer must also maintain documented training records. “I always tell employers that they cannot rely on a new worker’s past experience. If a new worker tells you that they have training and experience in proper ladder use, that’s great. However, as the employer, you are still responsible for verifying that knowledge and that you have the required documentation,” says Kart. “So, often, it’s in the employer’s best interest to provide the training, regardless of previous experience.”

Health and safety is an investment

Going beyond the minimum requirement is where employers have an opportunity to invest in the health and well-being of their workers. Following industry best practices when it comes to health and safety training is a great way for employers to demonstrate that they are taking every reasonable precaution to protect workers.

“Ergonomics training is a good example of this,” says Kart. “Providing training to employees on how to set up their workstation, including their computer, mouse, chair, etc., will help prevent musculoskeletal disorders, such as carpal tunnel syndrome.”  It may not be specifically mentioned in the legislation; however, it demonstrates that the employer recognizes the hazard and has taken steps to mitigate the risk.

5 tips for an effective orientation

In addition to training, Kart recommends putting together a new worker orientation that covers the five points listed below. “An onboarding orientation that emphasizes the workplace's safety culture establishes the foundation that creates a healthy work environment for everyone,” says Kart.

1. Rights and responsibilities
Explain the rights and responsibilities of each workplace party so that new workers understand their role and the role of their supervisor and employer.

2. Workplace hazards
Discuss all the hazards a worker may encounter while doing their job—physical and psychological. Review safe work procedures and how hazards will be controlled to prevent injury and illness.

3. Supervisors
Make sure new workers meet and become acquainted with their supervisor and know how to reach their supervisor if they have any questions or concerns.

4. Incident or hazard reporting
Ensure new workers are clear on how to report hazards or an incident, including incidents of violence and harassment.

5. Emergency preparedness
Review procedures for emergency situations, such as evacuation, fire, or a chemical spill, focusing on why they matter, who to follow, what to expect, and what action to take. Include first aid procedures.

How WSPS can help

Consulting

Connect with one of our health and safety experts to help you determine what training is required and plan your new worker orientation.

Resources

• WSPS Small Business Centre - Enhance your health and safety program with training, checklists and tools, available to workplaces of any size.
• Health & Safety Handbook Generator - Quickly produce an employee health and safety handbook that adds value to your orientation training.
• Employee Orientation and Training Checklist – Use this checklist template for managing the orientation and training of workers.
• Training Attendance Record - Monitor safety training attendance with this form.
• Do your workplace supervisors understand their role? 'Due diligence' explained - Do your supervisors understand their legal responsibilities? Do they know the expectation of due diligence? Find out how to set them up for success.

Training

• Health and Safety Awareness Training for Ontario Workers (OHSA)
• Health and Safety Awareness Training for Ontario Supervisors (OHSA)

The information in this article is accurate as of its publication date.