“In the spring, we’ll try and bring all


new hires in for a couple of days and just have them at our yard and just go through different areas of concern as far as small engine equipment, working around large equipment all the way down to hand tool safety and basic PPE as far as ears, eyes, dust masks, so on and so forth,” Connors says. Connors notes that depending on the


new hire’s background, they might not be used to wearing PPE or accustomed to a safety culture. “That’s definitely a massive challenge,”


Connors says. “Taking them and taking those bad practices that they’ve been taught over the course of years and molding them into somebody who’s actually safety conscious.”


ENSURE COMPREHENSION Conducting initial safety training during onboarding is important, but it’s equally critical to ensure your new employees grasp the concepts. Following the review of safety and PPE policies and the demonstration of equipment use, LaBahn’s new employees take a short quiz to ensure they’ve un- derstood everything. Lewis says they also conduct a multiple-choice test covering the basics. At Yard Solutions, they have the new


employee assigned to a crew with one of their in-house trainers for at least two weeks. This is one of the ways they help their new hires feel comfortable enough to ask questions on the job. Lewis says they focus on covering safety content that is relatable and ensuring their lead- ers are engaged. “You would be amazed at the power


of being available and asking people how they are doing and if there is any- thing you can do for them,” Lewis says. Heisey says they conduct regular


check-ins with their new employees throughout the first few weeks and let them know they are available to help with anything they need. “The direct supervisor of the new


hire is the one that greets them on their first day and walks them through the warehouse, which helps to create a bond from the start,” Heisey says. “This helps new hires feel comfortable and valued, so they are more inclined to ask questions.” Connors stresses to his team that the only stupid question is the one you don’t ask. He says during their weekly safety meetings, they have two circles, one in English and one in Spanish, just to make sure everybody understands fully. “I think it makes people more com-


fortable that if they are going to ask a question, they can ask it in the Spanish circle,” Connors says.


COMMON MISTAKES The opposite of neglecting to touch on safety topics during onboarding is overloading new hires with a four-hour lecture on everything safety-related. “I believe if you want to teach some- one nothing, show them everything,” Lewis says. “Training should be struc- tured to the level of the employee being onboarded (maintenance, mechanic, construction, management, office, etc.) The training should also cover the basic functions and hazard recognition for a successful first week. Leadership engage- ment can expand on the necessary skills


“While many people understand what PPE is and what it is used for, they often forget or take shortcuts to be more productive. Assessing their knowledge and helping them remain safe is always our priority, and we understand that some people may need a refresher.” - Taylor Heisey, LaBahn’s Landscaping,


in a more comprehensive format while on the job.”


Another common failure is investing


in thorough safety training leading up to the spring season for new hires but not providing the same level of training to employees who join your company later in the season. Connors admits they are working to improve this at their own company. “I feel like the longer the season goes, the less we really focus on that, which is something that we’re looking to curb and something we’re looking to improve upon for sure,” Connors says. Heisey adds it’s important not to assume all new employees know how to properly use PPE, even if they’ve previ- ously used it. “While many people understand what PPE is and what it is used for, they often forget or take shortcuts to be more productive,” Heisey says. “Assess- ing their knowledge and helping them remain safe is always our priority, and we understand that some people may need a refresher.” TE


National Association of Landscape Professionals 13


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