How to Prevent Workplace Accidents — The Importance of Induction Training and Employee Onboarding

The industries with the highest workplace accident rates (with an accident rate exceeding 10) are mining and quarrying and water supply and wastewater management. Next on the list are manufacturing, healthcare and social assistance, as well as transport and storage.

Moreover, as many as 41.4% of workplace accidents were caused by improper employee behaviour. Among the dozen or so listed causes of accidents, this was the most common. Other relatively frequent causes include actions by third parties or animals, improper use of tools, poor organisation of the workstation, non-compliance with supervisors' instructions and health and safety regulations, as well as structural defects of material factors. However, none of them accounts for more than 10% of the total, which only makes it clearer how large a proportion is linked to improper employee behaviour.

These alarming statistics highlight the importance of proper onboarding and adequate training and preparation of newly hired employees.

The Importance of Induction Training and Employee Onboarding

The process of inducting a new employee into a company is more than just formalities. It is the foundation on which their future performance, safety, and job satisfaction are built. At Gremi Personal, we understand how vital it is for a newly hired person to have a full understanding of their duties and awareness of the potential hazards associated with their work.

Our supervisors not only support the process of legalisation and adaptation of foreign workers in Poland, but also help them settle into their new workplace. This ensures that the employee is looked after at all times, while the employer is relieved of some of their responsibilities.

Let us look at why the onboarding and training process is so important:

Reducing the Risk of Accidents

Newly hired employees who have not been properly trained may not be aware of all safety procedures or may not know the correct ways to perform their duties. This leads to an increased risk of accidents. Lack of knowledge of procedures, insufficient understanding of equipment operation, or disregarding health and safety rules are common factors contributing to workplace incidents.

Regular health and safety training and systematic reminders about safety rules can significantly reduce the number of accidents. It is also worth paying attention to specialised training tailored to the specifics of a given industry. For example, in the logistics sector, forklift operation courses and training on the safe storage and handling of goods are essential, while in the chemical industry — training on handling hazardous substances is a must. A properly trained employee is more aware of hazards and knows how to avoid them, which translates into a safer working environment for everyone.

Improving Performance

An employee who knows exactly what their duties are and how to carry them out correctly is more productive. Onboarding and training also help in understanding the company's organisational structure, which fosters better communication and collaboration. For example, in manufacturing companies, employees need to know operating procedures so that production can run smoothly and efficiently. This reduces the number of errors, downtime, and the need for corrections, which directly impacts the company's results.

Furthermore, well-trained employees are able to solve problems faster and more effectively, which is crucial in a dynamic work environment. Knowledge of process optimisation, time management, and effective communication can significantly increase the productivity of the entire team.

Increasing Job Satisfaction

Employees who feel confident in their workplace and see that the company is investing in their development and safety are more satisfied and loyal. This in turn leads to lower staff turnover and a better team atmosphere. When employees feel valued and notice that their safety is a priority, they are more engaged and motivated to work.

Investing in employee development through regular training and opportunities to improve qualifications benefits both employees and employers. Employees acquire new skills and become more valuable to the company, which in turn can lead to promotions and salary increases. On the other hand, companies gain loyal, competent employees, which translates into stability and organisational growth.

How Gremi Personal Supports Its Clients in the Employee Onboarding and Training Process

At Gremi Personal, we are aware of how important support is in the process of onboarding new employees. As a staffing agency, we offer comprehensive solutions that help our clients ensure a safe and effective working environment. Our services include:

• Individual approach: every company is different, which is why we tailor our training programmes to the specific needs and requirements of the client.
• Health and safety training: we have our own health and safety department, which conducts and coordinates occupational health and safety training — a key element of accident prevention.
• Monitoring and support: our supervisors maintain constant contact with clients and employees to monitor progress and provide the necessary support at every stage of employment.

Moreover, we take responsibility for the employee's safety, which means that should a workplace accident occur, we assist the employer in dealing with the formalities and consequences.

Summary

The rise in workplace accidents in 2023 is a signal that shows how important it is to invest in proper employee onboarding and training. At Gremi Personal, we not only help our clients find the right employees, but also ensure that they are properly prepared for their roles. In this way, we contribute to creating safe and effective workplaces.

Ensuring adequate working conditions is an investment that pays off many times over — in the form of satisfied, loyal employees and a reduced number of accidents and safety-related problems. We encourage all companies to place greater emphasis on onboarding and training processes, so that together we can create better and safer workplaces.

If you are interested in working with a staffing agency that offers support not only in acquiring employees, but also in their onboarding and preparation for work, we invite you to explore our offer.