New Worker Orientation Safety Checklist

Why New Worker Orientation Matters

New and young workers are statistically more likely to be injured in their first few weeks on the job. Under the OHSA, employers must acquaint every new worker with the workplace, the hazards of the work, and the rights and responsibilities under the Act. A documented orientation checklist provides evidence of due diligence and reduces the risk of early-tenure incidents.

Workplace Orientation

• Tour of the facility, including emergency exits and muster points
• Location of first aid kits, AED, and eyewash stations
• Location of WHMIS safety data sheets and OHSA poster
• Emergency response procedures (fire, chemical spill, medical emergency)
• Reporting structure and who to contact with safety concerns

Worker Rights and Responsibilities

• Right to know about hazards in the workplace
• Right to participate in health and safety through the JHSC or safety rep
• Right to refuse unsafe work without reprisal
• Responsibility to follow safe work procedures
• Responsibility to report hazards, near misses, and incidents

Hazard Identification and PPE

• Review of specific hazards associated with the worker's assigned tasks
• Identification of required PPE for each task
• Demonstration of how to inspect, use, and store PPE correctly
• Confirmation that PPE has been issued and fits properly

Equipment and Tools

• Training on any machinery, equipment, or tools the worker will operate
• Equipment-specific lock-out/tag-out (LOTO) procedures
• Safe start-up and shutdown procedures
• How to report equipment defects without using defective equipment

30-Day Follow-Up Review

Orientation should not be a one-time event. Schedule a documented follow-up review at approximately 30 days to reinforce key points, address questions, and confirm the worker is working safely. Include signature fields for both the worker and supervisor to acknowledge completion.