Why New Employees Are More Likely to be Injured on the Job

New employees often face the greatest risk of injury on the job. According to workers' comp data by Occupational and Environmental Medicine (OEM), new hires are more likely to be injured than their fellow workers who have at least one year of experience on the job. This is especially true for new employees in dangerous or high-risk industries such as construction, mining, and manufacturing.

In this article, we'll look at why new employees get injured more often and what businesses and their employees can do to limit these on-the-job injuries.

Why new employees are more likely to be injured on the job

New employees are more likely to be injured on the job due to a variety of factors.

1. New hires may not be familiar with safety protocols and regulations and may not understand the risks associated with a particular job. As such, they may take shortcuts or perform tasks without proper training or protective equipment, which can lead to accidents and injuries.

2. New employees are often eager to please their employers and may take on tasks that are beyond their physical capabilities or those that involve hazardous materials and machinery. This can also increase their risk of injury.

3. New employees tend to lack experience in certain positions and may not understand how certain tasks should be performed properly.

4. New workers may be given less supervision during the onboarding process due to the lower level of responsibility vs. more experienced workers, which can mean fewer opportunities for guidance on how to perform certain duties safely.

Getting used to a new environment takes time, and in high-hazard jobs, injuries can occur if people are not accustomed to how things work or the way their fellow employees operate. Communication, transparency, and understanding are keys for any new employee to help them get acclimated to the needs of a particular job.

Ways employers can help reduce new employee injuries

Employers play an important role in helping to reduce new employee injuries on-the-job.

1. One of the most effective ways employers can help new employees avoid injury is by providing comprehensive safety training before new employees start work. Safety training should be tailored to the specific job description and duties, so new employees know what hazards they may encounter and how to take proper safety precautions. Employers should also provide new employees with protective equipment such as safety glasses, hard hats, gloves, or other equipment which may be necessary for the individual’s job duties.

2. In addition to providing new employees with safety training and appropriate equipment, employers can help reduce new employee injuries by implementing a culture of safety within their workplace. This includes developing a clear set of policies and procedures regarding health and safety protocols that communicate a strong commitment to reducing workplace injuries. Employers might also consider holding regular meetings with new workers to discuss any safety concerns they may have or any recent changes that might affect their job duties.

3. Furthermore, employers should make sure new employees understand their rights under workers' compensation laws in case of an accident or injury on the job. Ensuring new hires are aware of the insurance coverage available through workers' comp can provide peace of mind as well as prompt medical care if an on-the-job injury does occur. Additionally, employers should create a safe environment for reporting potential hazards or incidents without fear of retribution from management or fellow workers.

These are just some ways employers can help reduce new employee injuries in their workplace. By providing comprehensive safety training and creating a culture of safety within their organization, employers can go a long way toward preventing costly and potentially dangerous on-the-job accidents and injuries among new workers while also protecting their bottom line from expensive legal fees associated with claims filed under workers' comp insurance policies.

What new employees should do if they are injured at work

If new employees are injured on the job, there are certain steps that should be taken.

1. They should take immediate action to get medical attention and report the injury to their employer right away. It is important for new employees to keep a detailed account of what happened, who was present at the time of the accident, and any other relevant information that may be useful in supporting a workers' compensation claim.

2. Additionally, new employees should keep copies of all paperwork related to their injury such as medical bills, doctor’s notes, or paperwork from their employer.

3. It is also important for new employees to stay in contact with their employer after reporting an on-the-job injury. They should give updates about their progress in recovery and make sure all necessary paperwork has been filed correctly with their employer.

If new employees have difficulty understanding the workers' compensation process or feel they are not being treated fairly by their employer, they should consider seeking legal advice from qualified workers' compensation specialists to ensure their rights are protected and that any claims filed under workers' comp are done correctly.

By following these steps after an on-the-job injury, new employees can make sure their rights are protected and that any claims filed for workers' compensation are handled swiftly and accurately. This can help new employees get the medical attention and financial coverage they need in order to make a safe recovery from their injury as quickly as possible.

Final Thoughts

Being a new employee can be exciting but tough given the new experiences happening and acclimation to the new surroundings. It may be difficult to adjust at first which is why many get injured, but by following the guidelines mentioned above, all employees can accomplish their work in a safe and productive environment. If you have been injured on the job and have any questions about workers' comp, please contact us.

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Cole, Fisher, Cole, O’Keefe + Mahoney is Central California’s leading workers’ compensation and social security disability law firm. With over 30 years of successful experience, we are committed to securing maximum benefits for our clients in the Fresno, California area. Schedule a free consultation today.