Bringing new employees on board is an important moment for any business, but it also comes with some risks. Studies show that workers in their first year are much more likely to get injured than those with experience. This is because everything feels new—the tasks, the tools, and the pace of work can all be unfamiliar.
Dave Thompson, a loss control expert at Central Insurance, explains that new hires often don’t know what dangers to watch for. Many hesitate to ask questions, not wanting to slow down the team. This combination of pressure and lack of awareness can lead to accidents that could have been avoided.
In small businesses, onboarding can get rushed. Managers juggle hiring, training, and day-to-day work, so new employees might start before they fully understand how to do their jobs safely. They might pick up unsafe habits, use equipment without proper training, or hold back from asking for help. This creates a gap that makes accidents more likely.
Thompson points out four key areas that help protect new workers: first, making it clear that safety is a top priority and encouraging people to speak up when something doesn’t seem right. Second, teaching basic safety rules, like how to report injuries and use protective gear properly. Third, walking new workers through the jobsite to show specific hazards and explain why safety rules exist. Lastly, hands-on training where employees practice their tasks safely before working on their own.
Looking at past injury claims can also help improve safety training. Thompson shares the example of a contractor whose worker kept cutting his hand opening wrapped materials. After reviewing the claims, the company switched to safer cutting tools and updated training, stopping the injuries almost right away.
Onboarding shouldn’t just be a one-week process. New workers often gain confidence before they fully master their tasks, which can lead to risky mistakes. Regular check-ins during the first few weeks remind staff it’s okay to ask questions and help catch unsafe behaviors early.
Central Insurance supports businesses with tools and guidance to build stronger safety cultures. Their team helps identify risks, design training, and turn lessons from incidents into safer ways of working. Central policyholders also have access to resources like toolbox talks and checklists to keep safety a priority long after the first day.
When done right, good onboarding benefits everyone. Workers stay safer, businesses run smoother, and new hires feel supported as they grow in their roles. If you want to protect your team and your business, talking to an insurance agent like those at Central could be a great first step.