New starters in the workplace: Get staff off on the right foot

Setting aside time for an induction is well worth it. It immediately makes new members of staff feel part of the team, gives them a sense of responsibility and, more importantly, gives them a basic understanding of the premises and the company's operation. It is also the perfect opportunity to adhere to your legal obligation of providing information and training on health and safety to all employees.

It gives the opportunity to explain the overall approach to health and safety, including establishing and maintaining good health and safety standards. Additionally, all newcomers should be reminded that while at work they have a legal duty to take reasonable care of the health and safety of themselves, their colleagues and others with whom they come into contact and to co-operate with their employer in complying with health and safety requirements.

At the end of the induction, as a minimum staff should know:

• How to raise the alarm and the procedure to follow in case of fire, including where the fire exits and escape routes are located; where the fire assembly point is and who the company's fire marshals are; where the fire extinguishers are located and how they operate.

• Where the nearest first aid and medical assistance is, plus the location of the nearest emergency telephone and the emergency numbers.

• Whether or not personal protective equipment is needed for all or part of their job.

It would be wise to record when all inductions have taken place and ensure that a robust regime of continuous health and safety training and adopted practices is ongoing. This is the cornerstone of any health and safety policy.