Todd Jerome Jenkins, MS, CSP, SMS, CHST, STSC

Safety Aficionado & Ph.D. Student

Weekly Safety Topic – New to the Job

Take a moment and reflect on your first day in the trades. When you first set foot on a construction site, no matter where you came from or your background or training, you probably were eager to prove yourself. You were also probably hesitant to ask questions about topics you did not understand or were unfamiliar with because you didn’t want anyone to know you didn’t know something. Believe it or not, all of this is normal.

You likely began your first day early to make it on time. With your work boots and tools in hand, you felt prepared for anything. How long did it take to realize you had a lot to learn? There may have been a superintendent or foreman who gave you instructions, and suddenly you were unclear where to begin. What happened then? Did someone take you under their wing and show you the ropes? Did anyone teach you how to do your best work while working safely?

If you have worked in the construction industry for a while, try sharing your knowledge with someone new. Remember what it was like when you first started. There was a time when someone helped you out. Now it’s your turn to do the same for someone else. It may have been that no one helped you, and you probably wish they had. You know how hard it was, and you can and should prevent others from struggling in the same way today.

Tell new workers about the construction industry and how far safety has come. Emphasize the importance of wearing personal protective equipment. Tell a story about some of your work over the years and how you got it done safely. Talk about any lessons you learned from a near hit. Make them aware of the importance of following safety rules and regulations. Remember to encourage them to take all safety training they can get so they can get home to family every night. Encourage them not to be heroes and warn them against taking shortcuts. Explain the importance of reading the manufacturer’s instructions before using a tool. Matter of fact, rather than telling them how to use a tool safely, show them.

It is important to remember that new employees look up to you, even if you are not trying to be a role model. Sharing your expertise and knowledge is excellent, but setting an example is more important. Make sure you don’t skip steps or take shortcuts. Be interested in seeing them succeed in the trade just as you have. Don’t be afraid to reach out to new workers, even if they don’t approach you first. If your new, everyone in this room was new one day. Take the time to listen to what the more seasoned people are telling you. It may save your life or the life of someone else one day.

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