Inexperienced workers

New or untrained workers who may not recognise hazards or know how to use the controls.

Also known as: New workers, Untrained workers, Apprentices, Lack of training, Unlicensed operator, Unlicensed workers, Inexperienced worker, New worker

How to control inexperienced workers

Give new workers a site induction covering hazards, controls, emergency procedures and who to ask for help.
Check licences and competencies before work starts, and only let workers holding the right high risk work licence do licensed work.
Pair new workers and apprentices with an experienced worker, and supervise them closely until they are competent.
Walk new workers through the SWMS or work procedure, and confirm they understand it before they start.
Start inexperienced workers on lower-risk tasks, and increase responsibility as they show competence.
Encourage questions, and make it clear that workers can stop work if they are unsure or feel unsafe.

Typical controls, most effective first. Your SWMS sets the controls for your own job and site.