Tag Archives: new job

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Protective Clothing

WAYS TO TALK TO YOUR BOSS

Yesterday, we offered some advice to those applying for jobs, and ideas for new hires.  Our main focus was to help them question what the company expects of them and if there are hazards associated with their job duties.  We’ve all had to start with a  first job, and it is overwhelming to learn each facet of the things you will be doing, and getting to know all of your coworkers.  The most important part of getting off on the right foot is to know when and how to talk to your boss.  This may not only include the top executive of the company, but your supervisor as well. 

Let’s begin with when to talk to your boss……..

  • You feel that you need someone to watch you do the job and make sure you are doing it right.
  • You know there is a hazard.
  • You need more training and information.
  • You feel there is something in the work that could endanger you or a coworker.
  • You have an idea on how to make the work safer.
  • There is any type of question about your job.
  • Anytime you feel there has been a change to a term or condition of your working arrangement. 
  • Wait until he or she is not in a bad mood!

How to talk to your boss…………

  • Be polite and respectful.
  • Write down your concerns so your boss may review it later. 
  • Don’t blame individuals.
  • Avoid confrontational words and behavior.
  • Keep a positive attitude and speak out of concern for your safety and others.
  • Watch your body language.
  • Make a suggestion to solve the problem if you can.
  • State your issue or what you would like, clearly and concisely.
  • Be positive about both your job and the future of the company. 

When asked about the things that most executives and supervisors appreciate about their employees, they answered:  those with positive attitudes, that are ready to help coworkers, are prepared by anticipating things that will need to be done in order to successfully complete the project, and have the initiative to do things without being told.  A smart worker knows how to save the company time and money.  A hard worker may stay up all night to complete a project; a smart worker finds a way to do it in half the time, or delegates the assignment in order to finish successfully.  It takes hard workers and smart workers, (many are both), to make a company productive. 

If you feel that you have been informed of the hazards or risks associated with the job duties you will be performing, remember that you should be equipped with the proper personal protective equipment, PPE, and that it fits and protects you.  If it doesn’t fit, let your supervisor know.  It won’t protect you if you don’t wear it, whether it’s safety glasses, gloves, coveralls, or a hardhat.  Follow the safety rules and policies and procedures that your company has posted.  Get the right training and work safely. 

If you asked questions about health or safety concerns, or if you don’t have the health and safety training you need, tell your supervisor immediately.  If he or she cannot or does not solve the problem, it is alright to say “no” to unsafe work.  You have the right to refuse work that you think is unsafe; this is the law.  Until the issue is resolved, you will be kept from the unsafe work.  A process that has been set out in Occupational Safety and Health Act will be followed.  This is fully explained on the OSHA website in the U.S., or in Canada, you can contact your Ministry of Labour. 

Sources: WorkSmart Ontario, OSHA

General Safety Issues

NEW EMPLOYEES

Do you remember your first day on the job, wishing you understood what everyone else was doing?  You want to fit in, and it seems as though there’s a mountain of information being tossed your way.  No one can absorb everything they are told, but the main thing one needs to pay attention to is safety on the job.

It is the responsibility of the employer to provide proper training beginning from Day One.
Bureau of Labor Statistics show that 40% of on-the-job injuries are workers experiencing their first year of work.  The first thing employers should do is start orientation on the first day.  Co-workers can be of assistance if they notice the new employee is doing something unsafe; they need to speak up and warn them before they get injured.  They also can tell the new employee who to talk to if they have concerns about safety.  Personnel need to respect the equipment they are working with, and be aware that their wellness can be an issue if they don’t use caution.

In most of our experiences, we gradually find out what to do:  a good example is a Fire Drill.  Every company has their own policy and procedures and new employees should be told where the exits are and what to do upon exiting the building.  Many times, we don’t find out until there is a fire drill and then someone says, “Oh, yeah, do such and such, then return to work when the all clear is given.”

New employees, remember this:

  • Don’t take shortcuts
  • Use what you learn all the time
  • Be sure you understand; don’t hesitate to ask questions
  • Respect and follow warnings
  • Be sure you know what to do in emergency situations
  • As for safety materials and instructions if you have not received them
  • If you are provided Personal Protective Equipment, be sure you understand its purpose, how to wear it, and how to maintain it

Remember the TEAM mantra applies to all of us:
Together Everyone Accomplishes More!
Think Safety and Work Safely.