As an employer, hiring new employees can provide new opportunities for growth and add valuable talent to your team. Unfortunately, a new employee also needs to learn the ropes and as an employer, you have a responsibility to provide safety training. Failing to do so can increase the risk of accidents, potentially leading to workers’ compensation claims and even employee lawsuits.
Some of the more common injuries sustained by new hires include the following:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Soft tissue injuries
- Burns
- Spinal cord injuries
Many New Hires are Young Workers
Many new hires are younger people, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) indicates that young workers are at a risk of injury due to their inexperience at work and developmental characteristics.
As a result, it is imperative for employers who hire young workers to take the time to fully train and educate them about the safety hazards that are present at their new job. Of course, some jobs are much more dangerous than others, but even office work or restaurant work can expose young workers to a significant risk of injury, so do not make the mistake of believing that your relatively low-risk industry shields you from workers’ compensation claims or employee lawsuits.
Effective New Hire Safety Education Can Limit Your Liability
Workers’ compensation insurance can be costly, and claims have the potential to significantly raise your premiums.
As an employer, it is imperative to take steps to ensure that your safety training practices are effective and legally sufficient to shield yourself from lawsuits should an accident occur. For this reason, any business that regularly makes new hires should have their safety training program and materials regularly reviewed by an attorney familiar with the applicable state and federal law. Some of the ways that a lawyer can help include the following:
- Establishing procedures that ensure that new hires participate in training
- Reviewing the sufficiency of your training program in light of the foreseeable risks to which your employees are exposed
- Ensuring that any workers’ compensation claims that are made are legitimate and work-related
- Reviewing your potential liabilities and making sure that you have adequate coverage
Call 732 238-8686 today for more information.
It is imperative for employers to take workplace safety seriously, and a failure to do so can result in devastating consequences. To discuss your safety training procedures with one of our lawyers, call Bowne Barry & Barry today at 732-226-7157 or contact us online.
