Employee orientation

Orientation (sometimes called induction) is the process of introducing new,

inexperienced, and transferred workers to the organization, their supervisors, co-workers,
work areas, and jobs, and especially to health and safety. Providing training and extra
assistance during the initial period of employment is critical, regardless of the age of the
employee, as they are not familiar with the hazards of the job or the workplace.

During this phase, each employee develops the knowledge, skills, and abilities that are
necessary to work safely and healthily. While training (or refresher training) is always
important, training should always be provided when employees are:

• Transferred to jobs or work areas they are unfamiliar with,

• Returning from an extended period away from work,
• Who are new to the workforce.

Not all training can or should be done on the first day. Time the orientation sessions to
best match the needs of the workplace and the work done, but be sure all areas are
covered.

Orientation checklist for health and safety

EMPLOYEE ORIENTATION CHECKLIST
Areas to be Covered Description Completed
Yes No
Explain how occupational health and safety
regulations grant workers three rights, and
how this is applied in your workplace:
Occupational Health and
Safety Rights • the right to know
• the right to participate, and
• the right to refuse unsafe work

Company Safety Rules Explain safety rules that are specific to

RSC.
 Explain the health, safety, and wellness
Company Policies
policies of RSC.
Provide any necessary safety,
Training environmental, compliance, or
policy/procedural training.
Inform the health and safety specialist that a
new employee has joined the company who
will need safety training. Arrange for this
training and education to occur. Training
and education may be needed in areas such
as:

• housekeeping
Health and Safety
• lifting techniques
• material handling
• safe operation of equipment, tools,
etc.
• any other education or training
required to complete the task or job
safely.

Tour the work areas and facility and

discuss associated work area hazards and
safe work practices. Be sure to include all
sources of hazards, including biological,
Potential hazards
chemical, ergonomic, physical,
psychosocial (including mental health,
bullying, harassment, and violence), safety,
etc.
Show and explain how to use emergency
eyewashes and showers, first aid kits, fire
Emergency Procedures blankets, fire extinguishers, fire exits, and
fire alarm pull boxes, as applicable.
Demonstrate the evacuation procedures.
Identify workspaces where hazardous
Hazardous Products products are used, stored, or disposed.
Provide training as necessary.
Explain that food and beverages are only
Food and Beverages permitted to be stored in refrigerators
clearly labeled "FOOD ONLY".
Explain the importance of washing hands
Hygiene before eating, drinking, or using the
washroom.
 Have employees complete an emergency
Emergency Notification notification form. Keep a copy for your files
Form and send a copy to human resources and/or
emergency coordinator.
Review the company's emergency
evacuation plan explain the evacuation
Emergency Evacuation signals and procedures, and point out
proper exit routes and the designated
assembly area for your Office.
Review the PPE program and provide
education and training if the employee will
Personal Protective be required to wear protective equipment.
Equipment (PPE) Discuss appropriate personal protective
equipment (PPE) that must be worn as
required by the work being performed.
Review the reporting procedures in the
event of an injury and/or incident. Introduce
first aid attendants, and show where the
In Case of Injury or Illness
first aid room and kits are located. Describe
how to call for first aid if needed for
themselves or for a co-worker.
Supply a copy of the facility telephone list
with names of the Health and Safety
Committee members or representatives
Health and Safety
highlighted. Identify the location of the
Committee/Representative
safety bulletin board. Explain how the
employee can participate in the health and
safety process (e.g., report hazards)
Reporting unsafe acts and Explain the procedure for reporting acts or
conditions conditions that may be unsafe.
General Rights and Explain the employee's rights and
Responsibilities responsibilities as granted by legislation.
Provide a list of names, addresses, phone
Emergency Contact numbers, and fax numbers of the persons
who must be contacted in the workplace in
case of emergency.

Document Maintain a record of the orientation and all

education and training received.
Employee Name: ____________________________________________
Date: _____________________________________________________
Supervisor's Signature: ________________________________________