Ask your supervisor or boss for training if you didn’t get it. If you don’t understand something, ask for retraining.
Over half of workplace accidents involving young and new workers occur during their first six months on the job. Effective orientation and training is the best way to prevent accidents. Your employer is responsible for ensuring that all workers are prepared for the job before they start working.
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What can I expect during my orientation?
When you start a new job, your orientation should include basic information about workplace health and safety, including:
- Your rights and responsibilities
- Your supervisor’s name and contact information
- Workplace health and safety rules
- Any hazards you may be exposed to, including robbery, assault, or confrontation
- Instructions and demonstrations on how to do your job(s) safely
- What to do if you’re working alone
- How to protect yourself against violence in the workplace
- An outline of the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) and how to work safely with hazardous products
- If personal protective equipment (PPE) is required, how and when to wear it
- How to get first aid, and report injuries and other incidents
- What to do in case of emergency — fire, earthquake, intruder, etc.
- Who is responsible for health and safety in the workplace and how to get in contact with them — you should be introduced to this person at some point
Make sure that your orientation and training is documented — meaning that you sign or initial a document that summarizes the orientation and training topics covered, and acknowledges that you understand everything you were trained in.
Here’s a sample of an orientation checklist that your boss can go over with you during your training and orientation.