24 December 2024

Health and Safety Hints and Tips

New to the job:  Workers are as likely to have an accident in their first six months at work, this increased risk is because of:

  • Lack of experience of working in a new industry or workplace
  • Being unfamiliar with the job and the work environment
  • Not wanting to raise concerns and not knowing how to
  • Eagerness to impress workmates and managers.

This means workers new to a workplace may:

  • Not recognise hazards as a potential source of danger
  • Not understand 'obvious' rules for equipment use
  • Not be familiar with site layout - especially where site hazards may change from day to day
  • Ignore warning signs and rules, or cut corners.

1. Capability  Assess the new starter's capabilities. This might include: general health, relevant work experience, physical capability to do the job, familiarity with the work being done and the working environment

2. Induction  Provide an induction. Plan it carefully, including photos of hazards where possible, and use plain, simple language. Take time to walk around the workplace or site.

3. Control measures Make sure control measures to protect against risk are up to date. Check and equipment they are utilising is being properly used and maintained.

4. Information Provide relevant information, instruction and training about the risks new workers may be exposed to and the precautions they will need to take to avoid them.

5. Supervision Provide adequate supervision. Make sure workers know how to raise concerns. Supervisors should be aware that workers may find it difficult to raise concerns because of unfamiliarity and inexperience.

6. Check understanding Check workers have understood the information, instruction and training they need to work safely, and are acting on it. This is important during the vital first days and weeks at work.

Security Hints and Tips

During the festive period there will be reduced staff around buildings so its important that the security of the building is maintained at all time. Please ensure:

  • No tailgating through doors, please wait and observe the door close prior to walking on to your destination
  • Any unescorted person who is seen not wearing a visible Trust ID badge who is found in any non-public area should be challenged politely such as, ‘Can I help you?’
  • No personal belongings are left unattended, please secure these in a lockable area should you need to leave the area you are working in.
  • All staff to work within the same area if possible, to ensure staff safety in the building, ensure to check in with other colleagues regularly and utilise lone working procedures if required
  • No staff member is working alone or left alone at site, please check with colleagues in the build prior to leaving, do not assume others are still around.
  • When leaving please ensure all windows and doors are locked and secure.
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