As a small business owner, you're always balancing many priorities, from managing operations to ensuring customer satisfaction. But one area that deserves special attention—especially during the onboarding process—is workplace safety. A strong safety training component in your onboarding program isn't just about protecting your employees; it's about protecting your business too.

In fact, a review of more than 1.2 million workers' compensation claims from 2016 to 2020 by Travelers insurance company found that 34 percent of workplace injuries occurred during an employee’s first year on the job. These injuries led to nearly 7 million missed workdays—a staggering number that can heavily impact any business, particularly smaller ones. These statistics highlight the importance of getting your new hires up to speed on safety from day one.

Why Prioritize Safety Training?

When new employees join your team, they’re not just learning the ropes of their specific job—they're also adjusting to your work environment, equipment, and company culture. No matter how much experience they may bring, new hires are often less familiar with the specific risks and safety procedures in your workplace. This makes them more prone to accidents and injuries.

Beyond keeping your workers safe, having a strong safety training program can:

• Reduce Costs: Injuries not only affect your team’s well-being but can also be costly. The same Travelers review found that workers aged 60 and older filed the most expensive claims—about 140 percent more costly than claims from workers aged 18 to 24. Injuries can be costly if safety isn’t prioritized.

• Boost Productivity: When employees feel safe and prepared, they’re more likely to work efficiently and confidently. Fewer accidents also mean fewer disruptions to your daily operations.

• Improve Retention: Proper onboarding, including safety training, helps new hires feel valued and supported. This can reduce turnover and boost morale, making your company a place where people want to work.

What Should Safety Training Look Like?

The key to effective safety training is making it practical, relevant, and easy to understand. It should be tailored to your specific industry and the hazards employees might encounter in their roles. Here are some examples of what that might look like for different industries:

Manufacturing/Construction

In high-risk industries like manufacturing or construction, safety training should focus on the use of machinery, handling of hazardous materials, and emergency procedures. A comprehensive program might include:

• Equipment Operation Training: Demonstrate how to safely use machinery, including how to perform pre-use inspections and recognize signs of malfunction.

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Educate employees on the correct use of PPE, such as gloves, hard hats, and safety goggles, and explain why these items are crucial for their protection.

• Emergency Procedures: Conduct drills to show what employees should do in case of a fire, equipment failure, or workplace accident.

Retail/Hospitality

While retail and hospitality might not seem as hazardous, injuries are still common, especially from slips, trips, and falls, or repetitive strain. Here’s how safety training can help:

• Ergonomics: Teach employees the proper way to lift and move heavy items, reducing the risk of back injuries.

• Slip Prevention: Walk through common areas and point out places where accidents could happen, such as wet floors, cluttered aisles, or uneven surfaces. Make sure new hires know how to spot and report these risks.

• Handling Difficult Situations: In hospitality, safety can also involve dealing with difficult customers or emergency situations. Role-playing scenarios where employees learn de-escalation techniques can be a valuable part of onboarding.

Good Safety Practices for All Businesses

Regardless of the industry, there are several universal safety practices that every business should implement during onboarding:

• Keep Safety Visible: Point out safety guidelines, evacuation routes, and emergency contacts displayed in visible areas. Consider holding regular safety meetings or briefings to keep everyone informed and engaged.

• Ensure Access to Safety Resources: Make sure first-aid kits are fully stocked and easily accessible. Employees should know where to find fire extinguishers, emergency exits, and safety equipment.

• Adapt Safety to Remote Work (If Applicable): With more businesses embracing remote work, extend safety training to include ergonomic tips for home offices, cybersecurity best practices, and emergency procedures while working offsite.

• Incorporate Feedback: Regularly ask employees for feedback on safety practices and procedures. They might identify risks or suggest improvements you hadn’t considered.

Building Your Safety Training Program

So how do you build safety training into your onboarding process? Here are a few steps to get you started:

1. Assess the Risks: Every workplace has unique risks. Conduct a thorough review of your environment and the potential hazards employees may face. This will allow you to create a tailored training program.

2. Make It Ongoing: Safety training isn’t a one-time event. Regular refreshers can keep safety top of mind, especially as new equipment, processes, or risks arise. Monthly or quarterly safety reviews are a great way to reinforce training.

3. Engage Your Team: Make safety training interactive. Demonstrations, hands-on practice, and quizzes can help employees retain critical information. Create a culture where employees feel comfortable asking questions and raising concerns.

4. Monitor and Improve: Track safety incidents and near-misses to see where your training might need improvement. Employee feedback can also be a helpful tool in fine-tuning your program.

The Bottom Line

Including safety training in your onboarding program is an investment that pays off in more ways than one. Not only does it keep your employees safe and healthy, but it also helps your business avoid costly injuries, improves productivity, and creates a positive work environment.

By making safety a priority from the moment a new hire walks through the door, you're setting them—and your business—up for long-term success. After all, a safe workplace is a productive workplace, and taking these steps today can prevent bigger issues down the line.