Optional Step 6

Optional STEP 6 Distinctive Hard Hat and/or High-visibility Vest during Safety Performance “Probationary” Period

The employer should consider providing the new employee with a distinctively colored hard hat and high-visibility vest during a 90-day safety “probationary” period. This would provide a conscious reminder to other crew members that the “high-risk” first year employee required closer supervision and monitoring. It may also serve as an incentive to the new employee to earn a “regular” hard hat and vest through safety awareness and performance. Once the 90-day probationary period [including Steps 1-5 as described above] has been successfully completed, the owner or foreman could formally present the new employee with a regular hard hat and vest similar to those worn by the experienced crew members. The presentation could be done at a crew-wide safety meeting.