New managers must understand importance of workplace health, safety

Employers often promote supervisors and managers because they are good at what they do. However, doing a job well requires a very different skill set than overseeing how others do the job, especially when it comes to managing the health and safety of employees.

According to the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation, every newly minted supervisor -- whether from inside or outside the company -- requires training and mentoring before he can be expected to perform at a high level.

A key element in your orientation training, the bureau said, is to make sure your supervisors know how health, safety and ergonomics regulations affect your company. Your supervisors must enforce your policies and company rules.

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In addition, it is important to ensure that your new managers are knowledgeable in the hazards associated with the tasks their crews will be performing. All training for new managers and supervisors should be specific to the tasks and jobs they will oversee.

February 2, 2009

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