Statistics show that young males are up to 3 times more likely to have an accident in the workplace, so it's vitally important to ensure a thorough safety induction to reduce the risk of accident. Generally, young and entry level employees also, may be a higher risk for accidents as they are new to the environment and the job. Because they have very little experience, or are only working on a casual basis they may not have gained enough knowledge in the possible hazardous aspects of the job. Ensure they are clear on what to do, how to do it and why safety issues are so important.

It's a good idea to conduct a safety tour. This 'walk and talk' should stop at any point of safety concern while it's explained fully.

Always consider that:

• Young workers vary from shy & reserved to over confident so you may need to emphasis safety as a major business priority.
• In an attempt to please or take short cuts, some young employees may rush about or lift weights far too heavy for them. Your supervision is vital.
• Young workes may not know what some supervisors typically call 'commonsense'. Don't take it for granted that everyone knows about safety. In reality, we all had to learn it sometime.
• Initiations, practical jokes and horse play were once common place, but are now serious safety concerns and likely to be illegal.
• Every workplace is unique. Safety rules, equipment and work practices vary so explain everything fully.
• Everyone else may know not to use the broken tool or equipement, but the new entry level employee may not. You must be thorough with your safety induction and workplace tour.

Occupational Health & Safety laws now make a safety induction compulsory and you may find that a good induction can be very profitable as it reduces accidents and establishes the rules, practices and expectations at the very beginning.

A good OH&S induction not only assists in the reduction of injury and accidents in the workplace, but can save thousands in lost productivity and workers compensation claims.

Developing a safety program is a great way to ensure an ongoing commitment to safety and can be very helpful in reducing accidents and creating a safety conscious workforce.

One of the first steps in developing a good safety program is:

• Get employee involvement. This can happen through talking to them about safety issues, and keeping notes of ideas, opinions etc.
• If the workplace is large enough, set up a safety committee, or alternatively, appoint a safety representative.
• Complete a safety inspection to identify hazards. Try to look at your workplace through a 'fresh set of eyes' to identify the hazards in each job and in the general warehouse, plant or office environment. Look for things such as signage, electrical leads, guards on machinery etc.
• Act immediately to resolve potential hazards identified and develop solutions. It may require moving something, making repairs, buying new safety equipment or it could be staff training is required.
  
• If not already in place, develop Safety Policies & Procedures and make these available to all staff

Young people in particular, have less experience and knowledge of OH&S requirements. Having written Policies and Procedures in place gives them something to refer back to when they're unsure and also sets the minimum safety standard.

When writing your safety policies and procedures, make them relevant, easy to understand and include step-by-step instructions to help explain and clarify.

Things you may want to develop may include:

• Safe Working Procedures
• Manual Handling
• Handling Hazardous Substances
• Personal Protective Equipment
• Fire & Evacuation Procedures

Your induction should include safety issues relevant to your workplace and the particular job; such as:

• Explaining and providing copies of your company OH&S policies and procedures, and checking to make sure the young employee understands these
• Providing instruction or demonstration on correct work procedures which may include manual handling techniques if relevant to the job
• Providing the employee with any speciality equipment or clothing required as part of the job (ie. ear muffs, safety goggles, gloves etc) and demonstrating how it should be used or worn
• Pointing out and explaining warning and/or safety signs and their meaning
• Pointing out potential hazards such as leads running across the floor or watching for the forklift in the warehouse area
• Show them where the fire extinguishers, first aid kit and emergency fire exits are located.
• Providing thorough, accurate training for employees, followed up with a brief written quiz or employee demonstration to be certain they understand.
• Making the employee aware of his (& your) legal responsibilities in relation to Ocupational Health & Safety in the workplace

A young person, being less experienced, may not have the same knowledge of OH&S issues as a more experienced worker and may not recognise the dangers.

They may also not be as confident to ask questions when they are unclear on something and you never assume they understand. You may need to clarify their understanding by asking questions, getting them to demonstrate the task and explain back to you about the safety requirements.

Getting Them Started

• Work Hours & Rosters
• Training, Development & Education
• Motivating
• Induction