New Worker Safety: Reducing Jobsite Injuries

Starting a new job is exciting but can also be risky. New employees face a higher risk of injury — research from the Toronto-based Institute for Work & Health (IWH) shows that employees in their first month are more than three times as likely to experience a lost-time injury than those with over a year of experience.

Why New Workers Are at Risk

Peter Smith, an IWH scientist, notes that new workers often perform unfamiliar or hazardous tasks. They may also be unsure of their safety rights or uncomfortable speaking up about hazards. Curtis Breslin, another IWH researcher, adds that lack of familiarity, inadequate hazard awareness, and insufficient training all contribute to this increased risk.

IWH research shows that few new workers receive safety training — only 1 in 5 in a 2007 Canadian study. Almost 80% of workers in their first year could not recall receiving workplace safety orientation, leaving them without crucial knowledge to prevent injuries.

As workers gain experience, their risk decreases, but early days on the job remain critical.

Injury Statistics

In 2013, nearly one-third of nonfatal occupational injuries with lost time were among workers with less than one year of experience.
About one-quarter of these injuries resulted in 31 or more days away from work.
High-risk industries include agriculture, forestry, fishing, construction, and extraction, often due to seasonal employment and physical demands.

Factors Affecting Risk

Older workers, men, and those in physically demanding “goods sector” jobs face higher risk.
Newness is a more significant factor than age. Tenure and experience reduce injury likelihood.
Temporary and part-time workers encounter the “new worker” risk window more frequently.

Tips for New Workers

The Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) recommends:

Observe employer emphasis on safety during interviews and on-site.
Ask supervisors and coworkers about hazards.
Request and follow safety rules.
Report hazards and incidents immediately.

Solutions for Employers

OSHA emphasizes training for young and temporary workers. Key recommendations include:

Provide orientation and ongoing reinforcement.
Assign appropriate tasks and don’t assume workers know all safety rights.
Use mentoring, buddy systems, and hands-on training for real-life context.

Scott Schneider, director at the Laborers’ Health and Safety Fund of North America, identifies eight essential elements of effective orientation:

Site-specific hazard information and PPE requirements
Hazard assessments
Encouragement to identify and report hazards
Safety culture promotion
Clear communication of OSHA rights
Safe incident reporting procedures
Participation in safety programs
Emergency procedures

Best Practices

Start new workers in low-risk tasks and gradually introduce higher-risk duties.
Conduct follow-ups after one month and weekly toolbox talks to reinforce safety training.
Supervise closely and gather feedback to improve the safety climate.

As Breslin explains, “People learn by doing. The more familiar they become with tasks, the safer and more confident they get.” Proper training, orientation, and ongoing supervision help reduce risks and ensure new employees stay safe while contributing effectively on the job.

X3 connects skilled tradespeople with leading contractors across Utah, Colorado, and Arizona. Through its unique Workforcing® approach, X3 delivers safety-trained electricians, plumbers, and HVAC professionals who keep projects on schedule and within budget. For more information, or to request talent for your site, visit https://x3tradesmen.com