Throughout the holiday season, November and December contribute to 20% of the annual sales for most companies, as stated by the National Retail Federation. Given the need to fulfill a fifth of the yearly business within two months, many organizations seek additional assistance. While temporary hires bridge the gap, they bring about a significant safety concern. Continue reading to discover the essential steps to ensure the safety of your seasonal hires.
Temporary workers face a fourfold higher likelihood of being involved in an accident during their initial month of employment. Moreover, they are 50% more prone to serious injuries or fatalities at the workplace. The accelerated pace of the seasonal environment contributes to these statistics, making seasonal hiring a requisite. Nonetheless, implementing certain measures can safeguard your new hires and prevent your establishment from becoming another holiday-related statistic.
1. Establish a Baseline
A regrettable aspect of the job market is that individuals sometimes present inaccurate information on their resumes. According to data approximately 40% of employees have included misleading details or outright lies on their resumes. This can pose challenges for your team.
To prevent the consequences of half-truths affecting the safety of your facility, it is imperative to establish a benchmark for each seasonal hire. This benchmark involves validating certifications and appraising current operational skills. Taking the necessary time for these procedures is essential to discerning the additional training needed for your new employee to work securely within your facility.
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2. Provide Comprehensive Safety Training
As the employer, it is your responsibility to guarantee that every team member possesses the essential training for a safe work environment. If you recruit seasonal hires through a staffing agency, your new team member should come equipped with fundamental training. The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries mandates that staffing agencies furnish general safety training to their employees. The agency is obligated to document this training and share its contents with you, the employer.
Subsequently, you must provide training specific to the hazards present at the worksite. Nevertheless, it is advisable to revisit basic safety training and address any deficiencies when establishing a new employee’s baseline. When uncertain, err on the side of overtraining for safety.
3. Create a Safe Work Environment
OSHA mandates that employers provide a secure work environment for all their employees. However, achieving a completely risk-free facility is a challenging task. Temporary hires often lack the experience required to identify and steer clear of hazards, unlike your seasoned team members. While training programs, such as a workplace safety seminar, assist in recognizing dangers, they cannot substitute practical experience.
Safety equipment plays a pivotal role in mitigating existing hazards and compensating for the lack of experience that might lead to accidents. In an office setting, for instance, ergonomic furniture can reduce the risk of musculoskeletal issues. Additionally, the use of anti-glare screens on computers can contribute to eye safety. Utilizing safety measures like these helps minimize the likelihood of accidents and injuries.
It is crucial to ensure that your staff receives proper training on new equipment to guarantee effective and safe usage.
4. Monitor for Best Practices
New hires often face conflicting demands. While undergoing warehouse safety training, they learn best practices to ensure their safety and that of their colleagues. However, the daily pressure for heightened productivity may tempt seasonal hires to take shortcuts. It is crucial to have sufficient monitoring and supervision in place to prevent temporary staff from prioritizing productivity over the principles taught in their warehouse safety course.
Maintain a physical presence in your team’s work areas. Regularly walk the floor to observe employees’ daily operations and inspect essential documentation for accuracy and completeness. Employ remote supervision methods, such as CCTV and forklift telemetrics, to track seasonal hires and ensure they adhere to the safety standards emphasized in their warehouse safety training.
5. Leverage Your Material Handling Partner
The holiday season adds substantial pressure to your entire team, including yourself. Juggling the conflicting priorities of fostering a secure facility and maximizing the efficiency of new hires turns worker safety into a delicate balancing act.
FAQ’s
Why is the holiday season considered crucial for companies?
The holiday season, notably November and December, constitutes a significant portion, contributing 20% to annual sales for most companies, according to the National Retail Federation.
Why do organizations hire temporary workers during this period?
To meet the demand of fulfilling a fifth of the yearly business within two months, many organizations enlist additional assistance, often through temporary hires.
What safety concerns arise with temporary hires?
Temporary workers face an increased risk, being four times more likely to experience accidents in their initial month of employment and 50% more susceptible to serious injuries or fatalities at the workplace, making safety a top concern.
How can companies tackle misinformation on resumes?
To mitigate the impact of inaccurate information, it’s crucial to establish a baseline for each seasonal hire by validating certifications and assessing current operational skills.
What steps ensure comprehensive safety training for seasonal hires?
Employers should ensure that seasonal hires, especially those recruited through staffing agencies, receive general safety training. Additionally, specific training related to worksite hazards is essential.
How can a completely risk-free work environment be achieved?
Although achieving an entirely risk-free environment is challenging, practical steps include providing ergonomic equipment, implementing safety training programs, and incorporating safety measures such as anti-glare screens in office settings.
Why is over-training for safety recommended?
Over-training for safety is advised to address uncertainties and potential deficiencies, ensuring that employees, especially seasonal hires, are well-prepared to handle workplace hazards.
What monitoring practices are recommended for ensuring safety standards?
Maintaining a physical presence, conducting regular floor walks, and utilizing remote supervision methods such as CCTV and telemetrics on equipment help monitor seasonal hires and prevent shortcuts during periods of heightened productivity.
How can companies balance worker safety and productivity during the holiday season?
Achieving a delicate balance between worker safety and productivity during the holiday season involves proactive monitoring, comprehensive training, and leveraging partnerships with material handling partners to alleviate pressure on the team.
Why is proper training on new equipment crucial for staff?
Proper training on new equipment is crucial to guarantee effective and safe usage, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring the well-being of the staff, especially during periods of increased demand.
Conclusion
In the fast-paced holiday season, safeguarding the safety of seasonal hires is crucial for employers. Balancing productivity demands with safety concerns requires careful measures such as baseline establishment, comprehensive safety training, and vigilant monitoring. Over-training for safety and proper equipment training underscore the commitment to both workforce well-being and operational success. As the holiday season unfolds, adopting these strategies becomes not just essential but a strategic imperative for a successful and secure operation.