Job Training is a Must

Reams and reams of paper have been used in efforts to convey to all concerned the full responsibility of those at the supervisory level for the prevention of accidents in construction. Included in supervisory responsibility, and with high priority, is the training of the new employee for the work he or she is to perform.

All too often new employees are hired, given their assignment, and are then expected to perform efficiently and safely without adequate job instruction. Even new employees with previous experience often need retraining and reorientation if job efficiency is to be maintained, for all skills and work habits the worker must possess must be taught to him or her. Training begins when the employee is hired if our efforts are to be most effective.

Who, then, should be responsible for training the new employee? We believe, and it is generally agreed, the logical person to impart the required knowledge and technique required for the job is the safety supervisor or the worker's immediate supervisor. They are in the best position to give actual on-the-job instruction and, in addition, they are persons to whom the employee will be directly responsible. This accomplishes two things: First, it makes for job efficiency and Second, it manifests interest in the employee's welfare.

What should we teach and what procedures should the supervisor follow? Quite logically, the supervisor's task is to instruct the worker on the job to be done so he or she can produce it in as short a time as possible. Yet, safety precautions should be taught by the safety supervisor prior to beginning the job. Specific job hazards should be pointed out in connection with each phase of the job, and instruction should be given on specific safe work practices that will help him avoid these hazards. Poor instruction or none at all results in injuries and production inefficiencies due to the supervisors not organizing all the important parts of the job clearly before actually giving instruction.

Many organizations have found from experience that effective job training is a must if an efficient operation is to be maintained. Proper job training means efficiency with safety. Efficiency and safety get the desired results-quality and production.