Schedule plenty of time so the orientation isn't rushed or interrupted. This allows time for YWs to ask questions and check their understanding. Scheduling time also sends a message to YWs that putting safety first is worth everyone's time and energy.

Orientation of YWs will be far more effective if it occurs in a place that is quiet, well-lit, well-ventilated and not crowded. Inform other employees where and when orientation is happening and ask for their assistance by not interrupting and keeping noise to a minimum.

Noisy, stuffy, hot/cold, poorly-lit environments make it far more difficult for YWs to concentrate and remember what they have learned.

Explain all duties to YWs and provide a written position description that includes any tasks that YWs may not perform or require full supervision to perform. Get YWs to read and sign OHS policies and safe work method statements.

Orientate YWs with a tour of the workplace, emphasising major hazards, the location of emergency exits, first aid kits and fire extinguishers. Encourage YWs to ask questions as you go.

Explain the procedures for first aid, emergencies, reporting hazards, injuries, near-misses and bullying/harassment.

Introduce the YW to all relevant co-workers, such as OHS representatives, First Aid officers, HR personnel, mentors, supervisors, other YWs and so on. Explain the role of each employee and how and when they should be contacted by  the YW, if required. Provide the same information in writing so YWs can keep it for future reference.

Alert YWs to known physical, biological, chemical and ergonomic hazards and explain control measures - EVEN IF THEY SEEM OBVIOUS.

Provide personal protective equipment, show YWs how to use it correctly and then check as YWs demonstrate how to use it.

Inform supervisors and YWs of any work areas, equipment, substances or procedures YWs are not permitted to use.

Motivation to learn is highest when YWs know they have to apply their training immediately. YWs can also struggle to remember important OHS information if there are gaps between when training ocurs and putting the training into practice. 

The longer YWs have to wait to use their new skills, the greater the chance they will forget things and start making dangerous mistakes.

After training, assign YWs safe, familiar tasks rather than new ones to avoid overloading them with information.

Train YWs to do one new task at a time and introduce small pieces of information on a need-to-know basis. This will avoid information overload, keep information and skills fresh in YWs minds and help avoid an OHS incident.

Break each task into a series of steps and explain how and why each new step should be completed.

If available, provide copies of safe work method statements. NOTE!! This alone will not make YWs safe.

Demonstrate the safest way of doing the task. Complete the task at a normal pace and then break up the task into separate steps and repeat each one slowly. Point out any hazards, the harm they could cause and how to remove or control the hazards.

Watch YWs complete the task several times. Get YWs to "talk through" the safe work procedures as they go.

If they are unable to complete the task correctly, take note of how and why they are unsafe. Check if they need:

• orientation
• training
• supervision
• personal protective equipment
• information

Plan ahead for any YW errors in order to avoid serious consequences, e.g. explaining and reinforcing emergency procedures; asking questions before YWs start the task; providing competent supervision; checking and clearing the training area; checking each step YWs plan on following before proceeding; providing and explaining correct use of personal protective equipment.

Make a habit of continually asking questions to check YWs' understanding - EVEN IF YOU HAVE ALREADY CHECKED. Asking "do you understand?" or "you know how to do that, don't you?", may pressure YWs into saying "yes" when the truthful answer is "no". Check exactly what YWs know by asking the following types of questions:

• "how many steps are there and what are they?",
• "what are the hazards with this task?",
• "how could you get hurt doing this task?",
• "how likely is it that you could get hurt",
• "how can you protect yourself from (known) hazards?",
• "why do we do it this way?" (or "why don't we do it that way?"),
• "what's that guard for?"
• "who should you ask if you want to check the right way to do this?"

Supervisors must know how and why YWs are at higher risk of workplace injury and have relevant information, procedures and strategies in place to minimise the risk of injury to YWs.

Train supervisors to:

• know the specific OHS risks for YWs.
• understand supervisors' legal OHS rights and responsibilities.
• identify hazards, assess risks and manage/eliminate risks.
• observe, correct and monitor the work practices and conditions of YWs.
• acknowledge and reward YWs.
• consult and communicate with YWs.
• model and promote safe work practices.

After training YWs to:

• identify hazards.
• assess risks.
• eliminate / control risks.
• focus on working safely.

Keep records of any training that occurs, the staff involved and the date. Make sure it is securely stored.

Check YWs competence at regular intervals. Listen carefully for signs that show a YW lacks confidence or may feel unsure about how to complete tasks safely. If you hear things like: "I was shown how to do it but that was a while ago". "I think I can do it". "I should be able to remember the steps". "I don't really understand it" or "I'm not very good at it", go through the procedures again.

Consider the following when deciding how much supervision each YW requires:

• size and level of physical maturity.
• mental and social maturity.
• amount of workplace experience and training.
• ability to manage their own and others' safety.
• ability to cope with unexpected, stressful situations.

Take note of how and why YWs are unsafe. When supervising areas where YWs are working
Look for incorrect use of equipment, inappropriate workplace behaviour or wet floors; Listen for
loud ambient noise; Smell for smoke, fumes or chemicals; Feel for extreme temperatures or greasy/dirty surfaces

Monitor YWs constantly and give them plenty of feedback about their safety performance, using short, clear, positive messages - explain how to work safely rather than simply pointing out mistakes.

Remember to expect mistakes, even after training and put procedures in place to minimise the risk of harm:

• insist everyone keeps work areas clean and clear
• ask other employees to keep an eye on YWs' safety
• inform other employees when newly trained YWs are starting to complete new tasks
• continue checking YWs' competence in operating machinery/dangerous equipment - even after training 
• check that equipment is working correctly and in good repair

Publicly praise YWs for managing their own and others' safety and include safety as part of YWs' performance review.

Assign a mentor to:

• answer questions about safe work procedures, emergency procedures, first aid, incident reports, etc
• show and remind YWs how to work safely, how to identify hazards and manage risks, use PPE correctly, use safe work systems, and check equipment/work areas
• model safe attitudes and behaviours

Management must act promptly on OHS issues such as wet floors, poor lighting, missing/faulty guards, damaged equipment, using PPE correctly at all times. This will send a clear message to YWs that OHS has top priority in the workplace.

Report and record all hazards, near- misses or incidents immediately and encourage YWs to do the same. Let YWs know that this information is an important part of reviewing the workplace's safety performance and standards.

• what specific hazards exist for YWs at this workplace?
• who is checking that YWs are working safely?
• how are supervisors managing YWs' safety?
• do YWs and/or supervisors need more training?
• which unsafe behaviours keep occurring?
• how are YWs responding to OHS issues?
• are safety inspection reports leading to action?
• is it easy to report unsafe conditions or equipment?
• is unsafe equipment / plant replaced?
• are employees rewarded for safe or unsafe acts?