Teaching Safety by Example

August 23, 2022

Teaching Safety by Example

A hardworking person can have a powerful influence on their team, especially when they are working with someone who is new to the job or to the company. As the co-worker of a new employee, consider yourself the most important role model during their first few weeks. Your attitude and your respect of policies and safety procedures could save their life. Keep reading for more information.

Be a Safety Mentor

You know that the construction workplace is full of hazards. At A, we have stressed the importance of doing your job the safe way, and we’ve given you a wealth of knowledge about the risks of the job and ways to stay safe. When you are working around others, especially if they are new to our workplace, it is your turn to share that knowledge to protect them and yourself.

It may take a while for new employees to adjust and feel like they fit in on the job. Those that have never held a job before or were employed by a firm with a weak safety program will need considerable safety instruction and leadership. While managers will attempt to train them in workplace safety as thoroughly as possible, employees will naturally look to you for advice and information. Their early impressions of the way you value safety will set the stage for their future work habits.

Always Demonstrate Safety

In this important transition time, your actions will speak louder than your words, as the saying goes. If you use a ladder carelessly or take dangerous shortcuts on scaffolding, for example, you demonstrate to a new employee that safety is not important at A. If you try to impress others by wearing jewelry or loose clothing that can be hazardous on the job, you are ultimately putting new employees that are learning from and imitating you in danger.

On the other hand, some new employees may come to A from firms that emphasize safety like we do. In that case, their personal respect for you will grow when they see that you care about workplace safety as much as they do.

You are aware that accidents are a reality in construction and contracting work. Take care to be sure that your new co-workers are aware of the danger, too. Doing so will help to keep everyone at your worksite safe.

Everyone will be safer when you make a good impression on a new employee, so do your part. For more safety tips, talk to your supervisor.