First Day Checklist: What to ask your teen about their first day on the job

When your child starts a new job, you’ll want to know all about it. What were their first impressions, what are their co-workers like, do they like their boss? But besides the juicy gossip, you should also ask a few questions about the safety aspects of their job.

Here’s a checklist of safety-related things you can ask your teen after their first day on the job, plus some prompts you can use to get started.

1. Health and safety

It’s easy for employers to gloss over health and safety with a new worker. But knowing this category was covered is crucial because it shows that your young person’s workplace prioritizes their well-being. Knowing about health and safety procedures, emergency exits, first aid, and fire safety can make a significant difference in an emergency situation.

Conversation Starters

• Did anyone mention health and safety during your orientation?
• Were you shown the location of the emergency exits?
• Did you receive information about the workplace's emergency procedures?
• Were you introduced to the first aid kit and its location?
• Did they provide information about fire safety and evacuation routes?
• Did they discuss the importance of reporting accidents or incidents?

2. Training and equipment

If your teen is in a position where they need to use tools, machinery, or chemicals they haven’t interacted with before, then they need adequate safety training. Understanding the training and equipment protocols makes sure your teen is adequately prepared to handle tools, machinery, and hazardous materials.
 

Conversation Starters

• Were you given training on how to use any tools or machinery?
• Did you receive proper instructions for handling hazardous materials?
• Were you introduced to equipment safety protocols?
• Were safety guidelines explained for working at heights or in confined spaces?
• Did they go over proper lifting and carrying techniques?
• Were you provided with safety data sheets for any chemicals you'll be handling? Did your supervisor explain what these sheets mean? 

3. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

PPE is vital for protecting your teen from workplace hazards. And it’s not just hard hats and safety goggles, either. PPE can also cover things like proper footwear, aprons to protect from grease, and transparent shields to protect them from the public. Knowing how to use, wear, and maintain PPE makes sure they’re shielded from potential injuries and health risks associated with their job.

Conversation Starters 

• Did your supervisor inform you about the need for PPE? 
• Were you shown how to wear and maintain PPE properly?
•  Did they provide you with the required safety gear, such as helmets, gloves, or safety glasses? 
• Were you instructed on when, where, and how to use PPE? 

4. Workplace policies and rules

Every workplace has rules, and most have policies. When your child is introduced to these properly, they’ll be safer and better equipped to work in the environment.

Remember, it’s their first job, so things like code of conduct, punctuality, and other standard expectations may not be obvious to them at first. Having these clearly laid out will help your child both succeed and know their rights as an employee.

Conversation Starters

• Did you receive a copy of the employee handbook or workplace policies?
• Were you informed about the company's code of conduct? 
• Were break and lunch schedules discussed? 
• Did they explain attendance and punctuality expectations?
• Were you given information about your rights as an employee? Do you understand what those rights are? 

5. Communication and reporting

Most teens don’t want to speak up when something feels off. Having the proper channels for communication and reporting laid out from the start can help alleviate the fears of speaking up, which will help your teen address safety concerns promptly.

Knowing how to contact supervisors, report incidents, and engage with safety committees promotes a culture of safety and transparency

Conversation Starters

• Did they provide contact information for your supervisor or manager?
• Were you shown how to report workplace safety concerns or incidents?
•  Were you informed about any workplace safety committees or representatives?
• Did they encourage open communication and questions about safety?

Final thoughts from an expert

Pamela Patry, a health and safety consultant for Workplace Safety & Prevention Services, weighs in with some sage advice. “Don't ask all the questions at once,” she tells us. Parents should “take the time over the first few weeks and shifts to ask a few questions about this very exciting journey your kid is starting.”