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ACCIDENT PREVENTION
said of the importance of good order and good housekeeping. It is most
important that the newcomer be introduced to his foreman and the
workers in his neighbourhood.
The methods used to introduce new personnel will differ from
undertaking to undertaking. The introduction may take place during a
talk in the personnel department or in the safety engineer's office, or even
in the factory department concerned, and may be conducted by a member
of the personnel department, the foreman or an experienced worker. In
some cases the introduction includes an explanation of the technology
of the undertaking, and a plan or model is shown to make things clear.
In other cases illustrations are provided by a film strip or a film.
Though it may be necessary for formal reasons to provide a new
worker with a copy of the factory regulations and instructions, it cannot
be expected that he will fully understand them, or even that he will read
them carefully. During his introduction such regulations and instructions
should be explained as far as they are of immediate concern to him.
After the explanation the correct way of working should be shown and
the worker should be allowed to try it himself to make sure that he has
understood it. Subsequently regular checks should be made to ensure
that his work is done in the prescribed way and that no departures from
safe working habits have occurred.
The main purpose of the introduction is to make a personal contact
with the newcomer and to show a personal interest in him. If the man in
charge of the introduction considers the procedure as only a boring
routine, it will do more harm than good. The worker should be made to
feel that, if he encounters an unexpected difficulty in the course of his
work, there is somebody to whom he may go for information and
advice; this will help him to feel at home in the factory and also to feel
something like job-satisfaction, which is necessary for the peace of mind
that reduces the risk of accidents.
Some firms arrange for another meeting with the newcomer about
two or three months after his arrival to have a talk about his experiences,
his needs and his desires. On this occasion difficulties which have arisen
can be considered and unsatisfactory conditions corrected. In such ways
labour turnover, which is also important from the safety point of view,
may be reduced.
Questions
1. To what extent does safety in a factory depend on the management ?
2. Why is the foreman often called " the key man in safety " ?