New Workers, Helpers & Temporary Workers · 5 minutes · English · Continental Environmental Training
Key message: Report an injury promptly, even when it seems minor or you are unsure what caused it.
Read aloud
When you are new, you may worry that reporting a cut or strain will make you look careless. Reporting gives the company a chance to arrange appropriate care and fix the condition before somebody else gets hurt.
Follow the employer’s reporting procedure. Explain what happened, where you were, and what symptoms you noticed. Stick to what you know. You do not need to diagnose yourself or decide whether an injury belongs on an OSHA log.
If your usual supervisor is unavailable, use the alternate reporting contact. Temporary workers should know the reporting arrangements for both the host employer and staffing agency. Get urgent help immediately when needed; paperwork must not delay emergency care.
Workers have protections against retaliation for reporting work-related injuries and safety concerns. A supervisor should receive the report, arrange the next steps, and address the hazard.
Scenario
A new helper cuts a finger on damaged shelving but considers hiding it because the crew is busy.
Supervisor follow-up
Confirm every new worker knows the reporting route and receives a response without blame or discouragement.
Session notes
Suggested session: 3–5 minutes including discussion and practical check. OSHA — Employee rights to report injuries without retaliation
Show the crew
Locate the reporting contact and explain the procedure using a fictional incident.
Ask the crew
Must the helper decide whether the cut is OSHA-recordable? No. Report the facts; the employer handles recordkeeping decisions.
What if the supervisor is unavailable? Use the designated alternate contact and obtain needed care.
OSHA references
OSHA — Employee rights to report injuries without retaliation — https://www.osha.gov/recordkeeping/modernization-guidance
Sign-In Sheet — Report the Small Injury Before the Shift Ends