Got new staff in the workplace? Declan Ryan gives you the lowdown on how to bring them up to speed with Health & Safety policies
Under Section 10 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, training should be given to recruited employees into an organisation
Employers are expected to provide safety instruction and training. The employer should provide this during an induction programme at which time the employee will learn about all aspects of the organisation and the work they are to do. For example, if the job is on a construction site, the employee must complete a one-day FÁS Safe Pass training programme and obtain a Safe Pass card to enable them to work on the site.
All employees should be provided with an overview of the safety, health and welfare management system. This will ensure that all employees are familiar with the organisations safety statement and risk assessments. All new employees should receive induction training to ensure they are familiar with H&S arrangements such as:
Fire Safety
- An awareness of the fire warning system.
- A demonstration of the means of escape in the event of a fire.
- The location of the fire assembly point & fire extinguishers.
- What happens during a fire drill.
- What are the emergency contact numbers
First Aid
- What do you do in the event that emergency first aid is required.
- Where is the nearest first aid kit.
- Who are the assigned first aiders.
- Where is the accident book and how do you report an accident or incident.
Welfare Facilities
- Do you know where you can take rest breaks.
- Where can you eat or drink.
- The location of the toilet and hand washing facilities.
- Is there a location where personal clothing can be left.
General Safety Issues
- Who can you contact for advice on safety issues.
- What is the reporting procedure for defective equipment.
- Do you know what the risks associated to your working tasks are.
- What are the safe methods of work.
- Do you know about the organisations health & safety policy.
- Have you signed you Employee handbook/safety handbook.
Declan Ryan is a Technical H&S Advisor working with Peninsula Business Services (Ireland) Ltd; who are Ireland’s leading provider of employment law and health & safety services. Established in Ireland since 1997, we have thousands of businesses who have already integrated Peninsula to work as part of their HR and Health & Safety departments. With offices in Dublin, Belfast, Sydney and Manchester, Peninsula employs 1000 people across Ireland, Australia and the UK.
