The main feat to be accomplished in today’s world is to get a job and then prove that you are going to be a loyal employee and perform whatever is asked of you to the best of your abilities.  When asking employers what they are looking for when they are hiring, many common denominators are given: a good work ethic, attitude, intelligence, honest, dedicated, experienced, educated, and that the employee will make a good impression with their customers.  These traits are the ones we all want to have. 

Male or female, a new employee has to begin with the attitude that this company will benefit “by hiring me.”  You have to sell yourself, and once hired, you have to prove yourself.  It doesn’t matter if it is in an office, factory, grocery store, manufacturing, or sales, you have to have the enthusiasm and commitment to do the job you are hired to do.  Job descriptions include the skills needed to fill the offered position.  They are looking for those who can solve problems, work with others as a team, show initiative, and be a self-starter.  Not all of us have college degrees, and there are plenty of jobs that don’t require that much education.  On the other hand, many persons are desperately looking for work who are over qualified for some positions.  Regardless, there is a job that is right for each person;  the trick is to find it. 

Once you have a job, one of the first priorities in training is that of safety on the job.  You may be driving a company vehicle, working in manufacturing or construction, or sitting at a desk.  Regardless, it is imperative that you pay attention to the safety leaders in order to keep yourself and your coworkers safe on the job.  Go into any new job with a positive attitude; it’s more pleasant for everyone to not work with someone with negative thoughts or constant complaining.

As an employee, how do you measure up?  Do you work with people that enjoy horseplay around the shop, or on the job?  Are you one that instigates that type of behavior, or just goes along with it?  If you see a hazard, do you feel free to go to your supervisor and report it?  Most companies enforce their safety standards, and should make their employees feel welcome to be included in discussions about how to eliminate risks.  In all reality, no one wants to get hurt or see another person get injured.  You should be able to identify workplace safety and health issues and follow up with a manager before someone does get sick or hurt.

Good employees will go above and beyond their immediate field or area of responsibility to communicate their concerns.  We talked about grading our supervisors on the kind of “safety leaders” they are.  Now, think about how they will grade you, concerning safety.  They have the responsibility to teach you and evaluate your job performances, so it is very important that you prove to them that you are eager to do the job you were hired for, and to do it in the smartest, safest way possible.  Many jobs are dangerous ones, and safety is foremost on the minds of all involved.  Other jobs can pose unexpected accidents, so we all benefit from playing it safe.  Pay attention to your instructions and those safety information posters that are put up as a reminder to not take chances or shortcuts.  Be grateful for your job.   There are thousands of people out there that need work and have been unable to find it.  Take care of the job for which you were hired.  Just as when we were in school, we want to make an “A+”.  Don ‘t be satisfied with a “C” or “D”, to barely pass, when it comes to being a safe employee, go for and make the top grade!