New Hire Safety Training

Department: Safety Director 

Topic: Training 

Process: New Hire Safety Training 

Objective 

The objective of employee orientation is to inform new employees of jobsite and general safety rules and procedures and to define safety responsibilities contained in the Koester Construction Company Inc. Safety and Health Policy and OSHA standards.  

  OSHA requires the employer to provide a work area free of known or predictable safety and health hazards. The OSHA act also requires the employee to follow all safety/health regulations and safety training programs the employer implements.  

Background 

RESPONSIBILITIES: The Safety Committee, the Project Superintendent or a designated representative are responsible for assuring that required training is conducted. The Safety Committee will review the orientation checklist, which will become a permanent personnel document. The employee will sign and date the orientation checklist.  

Purpose  

New employee orientation sets the tone for safety on construction sites. Koester Construction Inc. recognizes construction can be a potentially hazardous industry and that new employees are subject to work area hazards. Some employees are experienced in the construction industry while others may be new to the industry or new to the jobsite. All employees need to know the hazards specific to the job or jobsite conditions. The objective of employee orientation is to inform all new employees of jobsite and general safety rules and procedures. A new employee can be defined as any person unfamiliar with  a specific construction operation.  

This definition includes:  

• Employees new to the company.  

• Employees new to a particular jobsite.  

• Employees new to a particular crew.  

• Employees new to a particular task or process.  

The Safety Committee should be assigned to cover orientation duties although he or she may delegate this assignment. The Safety Committee generally outlines specific safety orientation procedures to be followed by the foreman and other employees assigned to the training function. The Safety Committee  should follow-up to make sure training is satisfactory.  

The Safety Committee or delegate will distribute company and specific jobsite safety materials to each employee and explain the contents thoroughly. New employees must be allowed sufficient time to ask questions and clarify safety rules or procedures. Any required signatures to verify employee training must be obtained and forwarded to the company Safety Committee. Other activities required for inclusion in new employee safety orientation are:  

Description of the work:

Explanation of the proper use and limitations of required personal protective equipment, identification of hazards, off limits areas and pertinent safety regulations. Follow-up to make sure safety procedures and rules are understood.  

Attendance  

All new employees, as described in the General-Purpose section above, are required to attend the employee orientation. No new employee will be allowed to work prior to completing the employee orientation. 

Introduction  

Accidents cost time and money, but more importantly, they can cause unnecessary injury and severe personal loss. We are committed to achieving safety excellence. To do this, a goal of “Zero Injuries” has been set for our company.  

Employee responsibilities:  

You, the employee, are the central figure in the Safety Program; therefore, you must work safely at all times. Safety is your responsibility, not just the company or your supervisors. You must always look out for the safety of yourself, your co-workers, and other trades working around you. Good communication is a must.  

              You must know the safe way to perform your work. You can accomplish this only by having a thorough knowledge of the work you are performing. Learn to do your job                 correctly- The Safe Way. But knowing the safe way is not enough. You must apply your knowledge to your work. Always use common sense. Think Before You Act. Be aware                 of conditions surrounding your work area. You must constantly be alert to potential dangers or unsafe conditions that accompany your work. Take Nothing for Granted.                 When In Doubt-Consult Your Supervisor.  

              You may be the first or only person to be aware of a hazard or an unsafe condition. It’s your responsibility to warn others, take action to protect others, and inform your             supervisor of the condition as soon as possible.  

          It’s the responsibility of each employee to insure his or her own safety as well as the safety of others:  

2.   Learn the hazards of each assigned job and continue to suggest possible improvements in the methods of doing the job.  

3. Analyze and plan each job before starting any work so as to identify hazards that may exist.  Do not take hazardous “short-cuts”. Take the time to perform your work safely.  

4. Train less experienced employees to learn safe and correct work methods.  

5. Report the following to your supervisor immediately or as soon as possible.  

1. Work related illnesses and injuries.  

2. Property damage incidents.  

3. Hazards and near-miss incidents.  

6. Obey all safety practices and procedures.  

7. Fighting, practical jokes, scuffling, and horseplay may cause accidents and, therefore, are forbidden.  

Things to Consider 

Documentation  

After the employee has completed the jobsite orientation they will sign and date the Confirmation Sheet. The instructor will also Sign and date the sheet. A copy of the signed verification sheet will be forwarded to the Company Safety Director where it will be placed in the “New Employee Orientation” file.  

Training aids for orientation  

Have all required PPE, safety equipment, and miscellaneous equipment on hand to demonstrate its uses and limitations. Keep in mind job specific personal protective equipment (PPE). The following is a list of required training and PPE for all employees working for Koester Construction Company Inc.  

1. Fire protection  

2. Emergency response  

3. Hard hat  

4. Safety glasses  

5. Ear protection  

6. GFCI  

7. Fall protection (lanyard, harness, guardrail systems etc.)  

8. Ladders  

Steps 

The Departmental Safety Leader, or other Safety Board Member, will provide general and job specific safety training to all newly hired employees.  A copy of the safety manual is available anytime in the office.    

Recommendations Include:   

• Review the Safety Manual  
• Encourage & motivate employee involvement in safety.  Make each accountable for their safety and the safety of their coworkers.  
• Train for specific safety rules, procedures, hazards, and programs to complete their job duties  

Problem Solving Procedure  

To have an effective safety program, communication must take place on all rungs of the ladder. When a safety problem arises, everyone in the company must know where and to whom to turn. Employees must know that each safety problem will be corrected. Let your supervisor know of any concerns.  

Personal Protective Equipment  

Head Protection: Hardhats are required on all jobs with overhead work being done. Hardhats are recommended on all Koester job sites.  

Eye & Face Protection: Safety glasses, face shields (over safety glasses) or safety goggles are required when grinding, chipping, cutting, etc.  

Hearing Protection: Hearing protection (earplugs) shall be worn in high noise areas and while operating noisy equipment. General rule of thumb: if you must raise your voice to communicate with co-workers, then hearing protection is required. (Show and demonstrate how to insert ear plugs.)  

Hand Protection: Leather gloves are required while cutting, fitting, and handling Sheet metal, rough lumber, metal bands and other materials likely to cause hand injuries.  

Protective Footwear: Boots are required. Boots that provide ankle support are recommended.  

Clothing: Appropriate work clothes are required. Tank tops and shorts are NOT allowed. (Shirts must cover the shoulders). No clothing is allowed with offensive pictures or wording. You represent Koester Construction Company Inc. while on the job and need to present a professional image.  

Other PPE may be required for your specific type of work. -Review Koester Construction Company Inc. list of Job Specific PPE.  

Emergency Information  

Have a predetermined meeting place. (See emergency disaster plan) The person in charge will take ahead count and report it to the Contractor in charge. This is critical in accounting for all employees. We don’t want to send someone into a burning building looking for employees who have already exited. Emergency phone numbers and the project’s address should be posted in the Contractor’s job trailer next to the phone. The same information must be displayed in our job trailer near a phone. Cover the attached Emergency Procedures Checklist; this list will address Fire, Ambulance, Police, and Utilities.  

In case of Fire  

Keep calm, take a moment to size up the situation, but don’t waste valuable time. If it’s in your immediate area, sound the alarm - yell out FIRE! - get yourself out and help get others out. If able, attempt to extinguish small fires only.  

Fire extinguishers are to be located at all of our company’s job sites and should be throughout buildings (i.e. at stairway landings and within 50 feet of flammable liquid storage/dispensing areas, etc.).  

Emergency Escape Routes:  

As construction progresses, emergency escape routes should be marked with exit signs. (Show employees where exits are located). Move quickly but remain calm. Use common sense. Be aware of the construction stage the building is in.  

Relocation I Tornado Warning Procedures:  

1. If outside or in outlining small buildings, move quickly to the nearest large facility or to a pre-designated tornado shelter.  

2. If inside, stay inside. Immediately move away from windows, door Openings, and all exterior areas with large amounts of glass. Move toward the center of the building and into small interior rooms without glass, such as a restroom, interior conference room or closet.  

3. Move quickly and remain calm. Use common sense. Be aware of the construction stage the building is in.  

4. After the incident is over report to the designated area for accountability.  

Incident (Injuries / Illness, Near Miss, Property Damage)  

Report anything, no matter how minor, to your supervisor immediately. A detailed report must be submitted to the Safety Director within 24 hours of the incident. First aid kits are available in each contractor’s gang box, company vehicle, or job trailer. Show new employees their location.  

Safety Training  

Safety training will be held weekly. This will be in the form of a toolbox safety talk and will last approximately 15 minutes. Attendance is required and you will sign an attendance sheet that will be submitted to the Safety Committee. Additional training may be required throughout phases of the job.  

Hazard Communication  

Review the Koester Construction Company Inc. Hazard Communication Program. You must know the hazards associated with using or storing any chemical prior to use. You must take the required steps associated with using or storing any chemical prior to use to eliminate and/or protect yourself and others from chemical exposure. If you are unfamiliar with a chemical that you will be using, you must ask your supervisor or safety representative. All hazardous chemical containers must be labeled and stored properly. Pay special attention to the location of SDS and how to read and understand them. Show the employees where the SDS is located.  

Housekeeping  

Good housekeeping is one of the easiest and most important ways to participate in this project’s safety program. Good housekeeping must always be a priority. All equipment, materials, and debris must be kept clear from all work areas, passageways, and stairways. Work areas will be left clean at the end of each day. Access to exit doors, elevators, electrical panels, fire extinguishers and other emergency equipment must not be blocked at any time.  

Clothing, posters, language, etc. of an offensive or harassing nature are prohibited on site.  

100% FALL PROTECTION:  

Whenever you have a potential fall of six (6) feet or higher 100% fall protection is required. Guardrails, nets, hole covers, or personal fall arrest systems will be used for fall protection.  

• Guardrails should be 42” high with mid-rails 21” high and 3-1/2” high toeboards.  

• Hole covers must be secured and labeled Danger - “Hole” or “Cover”.  

• You must tie off for fall protection and barricade off the area prior to removing any floor hole cover. Removed covers must be replaced promptly.  

• Personal fall arrest systems consist of a full body harness, lanyard, and an anchorage point that will support 5,000 pounds of force/employee tied off. The use of a two (2) legged lanyard will allow you to be tied off 100% of the time, even while moving from one place to another.  

Barricades  

Barricade color codes:   

Yellow: Warning! Proceed with caution.  

Red: Danger - Stop! Enter only if authorized.  

Scaffolding  

You are responsible to see that scaffolding is erected properly before using it. If you are unsure about a scaffold’s safety, ask your supervisor or Safety Representative.  

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) Protection  

Whenever you plug into a 15-or-20-amp electrical outlet, you must be GFCI protected» All temporary power is to be supplied with GFCI protection, but when future permanent electrical outlets are used with an extension cord, it is your responsibility to verify that it is a GFCI protected outlet or circuit. Also remember to check that the GFCI is functioning properly. Standard outlets (non-GFCI) cannot be used without a GFCI cord set or a portable GFCI unit.  

Projecting Materials  

All reinforcing steel (rebar) and other projecting materials must be capped, bent over, or otherwise protected to prevent impalement.  

CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT  

Back up Alarms and Seat Belts: Earth moving equipment, hauling equipment and any vehicle with an obstructed rear View is required to have a back-up alarm. Seat belts are required at all times.  

Equipment: Cranes, forklifts, trucks, and any other construction equipment are not to be left unattended until shut down and secured to prevent unintentional movement. Only trained and qualified employees are to operate any equipment/vehicle.  

Crane Safety  

1. Inspect the crane and rigging before use.  

2. Stay out from under overhead loads.  

3. Maintain a minimum 10 feet clearance between the crane/load and overhead power lines. (Operator’s need to review Specific OSHA requirements on clearance).  

4. Use Red Danger tape to barricade the crane superstructure swing radius.  

5. Use tag lines to control all loads.  

Personnel Lifts: Whenever using or operating aerial work platforms, personnel lifts or bucket trucks follow these requirements:  

1. Do not use any equipment until you have been specifically trained as an operator.  

2. Occupancy of more than two people is not permitted.  

3. You must tie off for fall protection with a harness and a lanyard secured to the required area of the platform.  

4. Stand only on the platform floor. Using a ladder, bucket, etc. or standing on the top rail, mid-rail, or toeboard is not allowed.  

5. Rigging from the platform or boom is not allowed.  

6. Do not climb out of the platform to an elevated work location - find another way to get there.  

7. Follow all manufacturers’ operating instructions and make sure the operator’s manual is stored on the unit.  

Tools and Equipment  

Before you use any tool or piece of equipment, including personal protective equipment, inspect it to make sure it is in safe working order. Remove any that are damaged or unsafe.  

Ladders  

Use the right ladder for the job. For example, don’t use a stepladder up against a wall as an extension ladder.  

All ladders must be Type 1 or Type 1A and used only according to the manufacturer’s specifications. Check and recheck that the ladder is placed on firm footing. All straight and extension ladders must be held until tied off at the top. Extension ladders must extend three (3) feet past the intended landing. Cover the 4 to 1 rule for ladder slope. For every (4) four feet of working length the ladder should be placed (1) one foot out from the structure it is up against. Use stepladders only in the open position with spreader bars locked down. Do not stand on the cap or top step of stepladders. Any ladder found to be defective must be removed from service and a ladder tag attached. Send the ladder back to the company maintenance shop to be repaired or destroyed.  

Fire Prevention/Protection  

1. Smoke only in designated areas. (Tell employees where smoking is prohibited.)  

2. Store and dispense flammable materials properly. Only use approved safety cans for fuel storage.  

Laser Use  

1. Only qualified and trained employees shall be assigned to install, adjust, and operate laser equipment.  

2. Proof of qualification of the laser equipment operator shall be available and in the possession of the operator at all times.  

3. Employees, when working in areas in which a potential exposure to direct or reflected laser light greater than 0005 watts (5 milliwatts) exists, shall be provided with anti-laser eye protection devices.  

4. Areas in which lasers are used shall be posted with standard laser warning placards.  

Substance Abuse  

The company prohibits the use, possession or distribution. On its jobsites, premises, facilities or workplaces of any of the following: alcoholic beverages, intoxicants and narcotics, illegal or unauthorized drugs (including marijuana), look-alike" (simulated) drugs, and related drug paraphernalia.  

Conclusion  

Question and answer period. Encourage new employees to ask questions. The question they may have may be on the minds of others. After orientation employees will Sign and date the Confirmation Sheet. The instructor will also Sign and date the sheet. A copy of the signed verification sheet will be given to the office where it will be placed in the “New Employee Orientation” file. Issue any required PPE.  

See Also 

Link to Safety Training Center