Develop a Safety Orientation Program

All new employees should receive a specially designed indoctrination to your safety program. This orientation should cover the philosophy, policies, and procedures. It should explain how to deal with emergencies and how to handle emergency equipment. The new person should receive a set of rules or operating manual for the academic institution or company and be expected to sign a statement (rules agreement) indicating that they have read, understand, agree to follow, and realize that failure to do so can result in termination.

If you are involved in hiring new employees, consider asking the candidates the following question: “What is there in your background that suggests that you are both concerned and knowledgeable about issues of laboratory safety?”

You’ll never have the special opportunity again that you have on day one to make a lasting impression about how much you care about health and safety.

Want to start your “new employee safety orientation” sooner? Add the two words, “Safety Conscious” to your display ad looking for new lab employees.