Inexperienced workers toolbox talk

What it is

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

Controls to check, most effective first

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

Where it comes up on the job

Work steps from SafetyDocs templates that deal with inexperienced workers:

• Site establishmentSet up a safe administrative area and induct new workers and visitors.From Site Establishment Shop Fit-out
• TrainingRCS information, PPE use, emergency procedures and the 30-day trigger, with supervision for new workers.From Silica Dust

Questions for the crew

1. Where could inexperienced workers come up on this job today?
2. The most effective control is: “Give new workers a site induction covering hazards, controls, emergency procedures and who to ask for help”. Can we do that here? If not, why not?
3. Which controls for inexperienced workers are missing or not working on this site?
4. When would you stop work because of inexperienced workers, and who would you tell?
5. How do we report a hazard, a near miss or an incident on this job?