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Loss Control Overviews Online
Southwide Safety Committee
Forest Resources Association Inc.
COMPREHENSIVE SAFETY
PROGRAM FOR NEW EMPLOYEES
Number 22a
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Reviewed
December 17, 2003
Recent
studies show that employees with less than one year on the job incur more
than 40% of all logging injuries. While OSHA Logging Safety Standards require
a minimum safety training standard for all new employees as described in
FRA LCO#22, New Logging Employee Orientation and Training, FRA's
Southwide Safety Committee strongly recommends a comprehensive, structured
safety program and probationary period for new logging employees, similar
to the program outlined below.
1. The program consists
of an intensive 60-day safety awareness, training, and monitoring
"probationary period" for the new employee.
2. The new employee
is issued a distinctively-marked or specially colored high-visibility safety
vest and hard hat that readily identifies him as a new crew member. This
attire is a constant visible reminder to other crew members to pay special
attention to the new employee and monitor and assist him regarding safety
issues.
3. A veteran employee
with good safety habits is assigned as the new employee's safety "mentor,"
works closely with him, and takes some personal responsibility for his safety
during the 60-day period. The mentor or the supervisor should immediately
discuss any "near misses" and unsafe acts and conditions that involve the
new employee when they occur.
4. The supervisor conducts
a regularly scheduled 15 to 20-minute safety training session with the new
employee (and other employees, if appropriate) at the beginning of each
week. Suggested topics include:
Materials readily available
for the safety training sessions include FRA's Loss Control Overviews (LCOs),
Safety Alerts, Safety Handbooks, Safety Brochures, and Video Safety Training
Programs. These items are available for sale (or in some cases, free download)
at www.forestresources.org/thsafety/thsafety.htm.
5. The supervisor conducts
a regularly scheduled safety "debriefing" with the new employee at the end
of each week. Discussion centers around any near-misses, observed safety
hazards, review of safety procedures, etc.
6. At the
end of the 60-day safety probationary period, preferably at a company safety
meeting, the employee is declared "safety certified", and is issued a "regular"
safety vest and hard hat. At that point, the employee participates in the
firms regular, ongoing safety training program.
