by Lina Martinez

Depending on what country you live in, you may or may not have heard of a workplace induction. Different areas use different lingo - some may call it workplace protocols, others may simply refer to courses as “safety measures”, but it all amounts to the same: a workplace induction is simply the process of providing employees with accurate and up-to-date information about the proper procedures and measures to take to always ensure workplace safety. A workplace induction will lead you through how to perform tasks in a safe manner. 

Photo Credit: Cleyder Duque

If you’re a business owner, likely you already have some safety protocols in place, but you should definitely consider holding a workplace induction for every single employee, especially for new hires. Workplace inductions keep employees informed at all times on how to avoid hazards, how best to implement safety procedures, indoctrinates them into the culture of the business and teaches them how to mitigate risk and danger. It is a win-win for not only the health of your employees, but that of your business. 

Most business owners know that successful safety inductions are usually held at the beginning of an employee’s tenure at the company. It is a mistake to have a safety induction later in employment as bad habits have already had a chance to form. Laying the groundwork from the very beginning will set your employees up for good business practices and safety protocols right from the get go, training them to follow proper procedure right from the get-go as a matter of course. Implementing proper safety protects your liabilities as a business and protects you from issues down the line, in addition to keeping your valued employees safe. 

A few topics that every safety induction should cover, whether they are in retail, food service, manufacturing, or otherwise, include: 

Knife Safety

Ladder Safety

Lifting Heavy Materials

Chemicals and Waste/Hazardous Materials 

Falls and Slips

Injury

Handling Cash

Operating Machinery

Electrical Hazards

Food Handling

Protective Equipment/Uniforms

Vehicle Safety

Fatigue and Workplace Safety

Intruder Protocols

Emergency Exits

CPR/other medical training

First Aid Kits

Illness

Mental Health

These are just a few areas that should be covered, but depending on your type of business, there will likely be several more. Having protocols and safety procedures laid out in clear language with easy-to-follow steps and a clear chain of command is essential for any business. 

Following a safety induction is essential for any employer. It can eliminate the risk of workplace injury, accidents and damage to property, as well as protect you against future lawsuits or malpractice claims. Every good business owner should have a safety induction course at the beginning of employment for every single new hire. 
Having a safety induction will not only ensure the safety of your employees and your business, but will provide workers with peace of mind, giving them workplace security and making them more productive as well. You will see the benefits many times over.