Beyond Compliance: Making the
Most of Training and Orientation
- Robin Schooley, Industry Specialist in the Young and New Worker Program, WorkSafeBC.
W
hen the new hires arrive and
it’s your job to provide orientation and
training, are you prepared? What should
it look like? And should you adjust it,
depending on the age of your workers? higher worker morale, increased productivity
– and if your efforts drive down injuries, lower
workers’ compensation premiums.
It’s important to understand the difference
between orientation and training.
First off, the fact that you’re giving serious
consideration to orientation and training
is a great start. It shows you recognize the
importance of creating awareness and
knowledge among your new workers, that
you want them to fully understand workplace
processes and potential hazards, and that you
have a culture that supports safety. Orientation isn’t
necessarily site specific,
but addresses health and
safety aspects relative to
the location of work, as
opposed to the specifics
of the job.
The Occupational Health and Safety Regulation
requires all employers to carry out training
and orientation, so you’re doing your part
to be diligent and compliant with your legal
responsibilities. It means some effort up front,
but in the long term, your efforts will result in
better prepared workers, fewer costly injuries,
14 Safety Scene
Summer 2019 Edition: Orientation