Workplace Safety: 6 Steps Every Employer Should Take

A well-known food manufacturer was recently fined £1.28 million following the tragic death of an employee who was struck by a reversing vehicle while attempting to move a strip curtain on a loading bay. The employee was new to the business, and an investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that “site staff had not been provided with training or instructions to move the curtains and had devised their own methods, which included standing in the yard behind reversing vehicles.” This was the employee’s first lone shift, and the investigation revealed serious management failings, including a lack of risk assessment for new staff and failure to identify the additional risks associated with the task.

Statistics underscore the dangers faced by new employees: new workers are as likely to have an accident in their first six months on the job as they are over the rest of their career. This is largely due to inexperience, lack of familiarity with the job or work environment, and not knowing how to or feeling comfortable with raising concerns. With the festive season approaching and many businesses taking on temporary seasonal workers, these concerns are more pressing than ever.

Here are six simple, yet essential, steps every employer should take to protect new workers in any work environment:

1. Assess Capability

It’s important that you understand a new starters capabilities as this can be fundamental to ensureing their safety. The assessment should cover a variety of factors, including

1. Literacy and numeracy levels- some tasks may require reading instructions or completing calculations, and a lack of these skills can lead to missteps.
2. General health- physical health assessments are vital, as certain tasks might be unsuitable for workers with specific health issues.
3. Relevant work experience- knowledge of previous experience can highlight areas where extra guidance or training might be needed.
4. Physical capability- some jobs require a certain level of physical strength, mobility, or dexterity. A mismatch here could lead to injuries.
5. Familiarity with the job and environment- new hires may need extra support to adjust to an unfamiliar workplace.
6. Cultural and language barriers in workplaces with diverse backgrounds, language or cultural barriers may hinder communication. Employers may need to use visual aids, non-verbal cues, or translated materials to ensure understanding.

By assessing these areas, employers can create a safer, more inclusive environment where new employees can feel confident and capable from day one.

2. Provide a Thorough Induction

A well-structured induction is essential for familiarising new workers with the workplace and ensuring they understand safety protocols. Inductions should include clear, accessible language and, where possible, visual elements such as photos of hazards or diagrams of equipment. Walking through the workplace or site with new employees allows them to see first-hand where the main hazards are, such as areas prone to slips or falls. Induction should be designed to help workers become comfortable in their new environment, identify potential risks, and understand the measures in place to mitigate those risks.

3. Update and Enforce Control Measures

It is essential that control measures—such as risk assessments, safety protocols, and personal protective equipment (PPE)—are not only current but actively enforced. Control measures are there to mitigate the risks identified in the workplace, and it’s the employer’s responsibility to ensure these are followed consistently. Employers should:

1. Discuss risks with employees- regular conversations about workplace safety reinforce a culture of vigilance and show new workers that their safety is a priority.
2. Emphasise the importance of reporting- workers need to understand how to report accidents and near misses. Creating an open reporting environment helps prevent accidents before they happen.
3. Provide appropriate PPE- Making sure workers have and are using PPE, such as gloves, helmets, or reflective vests, is fundamental to reducing their exposure to risk.

4. Give Detailed Information and Training

Training is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Each new worker should receive tailored information and instructions that address the specific risks they may face and the precautions they need to take. Training sessions should cover not only the tasks at hand but also emergency procedures and protocols for raising concerns. Regular, concise refresher training may be beneficial, especially during busy periods or if employees seem uncertain.

5. Supervise Diligently

New workers require close supervision, especially during their initial days or weeks on the job. Supervisors play a key role in ensuring that workers feel comfortable asking questions and raising concerns. They should be mindful that new employees, particularly younger workers or those from different cultural backgrounds, may hesitate to speak up if they feel unsure. By actively supervising and engaging with new workers, supervisors can foster a supportive atmosphere that encourages safe behaviour and open communication.

6. Verify UnderstandinG

It is not enough to provide information; employers must also confirm that new workers fully understand it. This can be achieved through quizzes, practical demonstrations, or observed practice sessions. Checking understanding helps ensure that safety protocols are not just memorised but applied correctly. Regular check-ins during the first days and weeks on the job can make all the difference in preventing accidents.

Ensuring the safety of new workers requires proactive, structured efforts from employers. By assessing capability, providing a thorough induction, maintaining control measures, offering tailored information and training, supervising attentively, and verifying understanding, employers can significantly reduce the risk of accidents. These six steps are particularly crucial as temporary seasonal workers join the workforce, often facing unfamiliar environments and tasks.

A safe workplace not only benefits employees but also strengthens the business by fostering trust, reducing absenteeism, and avoiding costly incidents. Ultimately, prioritising the safety and well-being of new employees is an investment in a resilient and productive workforce. Through these simple, effective measures, employers have the power to save lives and build safer, more supportive workplaces.

If you have any queries about how to protect new or temporary workers, or any queries about health and safety in your workplace in general please do not hesitate to get in contact with Lee Craig, or a member of our Health and Safety team.

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