New Hire General Safety Checklist

More than 3.5 million employees were injured at their workplace in 2008, according to the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics website. New employees should become immediately familiar with company safety procedures. When employees don't have accurate safety information and familiarity with their place of work, accidents are likely to happen. Set up some employee safety procedures for new hires to prevent occupational hazards.

Accident Report Procedures

• Teach new employees what the procedures are to report an emergency. Injuries and illnesses always should be reported immediately, either by informing a manager or filling out an accident report. Show the new employee where accident reports are located and explain how to fill them out. These reports should include a date and detailed description of the situation and injury.

First Aid Treatment

• Show the new employee the location of the first aid kit.

  A new employee must know the location of a first aid kit. Show him or her where the kit is found and give detailed directions to the nearest emergency room in the event of a serious injury. The employee also should feel comfortable with calling 911 when an emergency arises.

Chemical Hazards

• Explain to the new employee the hazards of chemicals used.

  If any chemicals are used in your place of work, show the new employee where these are located and explain any possible hazards in using them. Read the labels together and explain the safety procedures involved in case of consumption or eye contamination. If safety equipment such as goggles must be worn when using chemicals, show the employee where goggles are found.

Equipment Safety

• Explain to the new employee the procedures for handling equipment in the workplace. Employees must understand how and when equipment can be disengaged. Also, show him or her where this equipment is found and explain when it must be used. Also give him or her a demonstration on how each piece of safety equipment works.