Orientation and induction
Employees have the right to adequate orientation and guidance in the beginning of their employment and during their employment relationship.
An employee has a right based on the Occupational Safety And Health Act to get adequate orientation when they start a new job. An employee also has the right to guidance and induction during change situations or when deficiencies are observed in their methods. A refresher may also be needed after long absences.
During the induction, the employee gets to know the culture, customs, people, practices and the expectations of the workplace and gain the abilities to work safely in their duties. The work guidance includes all the matters related to performing the work. These include the stages of the work and the competence needed for the work.
All employees are entitled to orientation
All employees are entitled to orientation and work guidance, regardless of the duration of their employment relationship. Orientation must also be given to temporary workers.
When fulfilling their orientation obligation, the employer must consider the employee’s competence and experience, as well as their personal capacities, such as language skills and age. A younger and more inexperienced employee, for example, may need a more thorough orientation than an experienced worker.
Guidance on duties and occupational safety
During orientation, the employee will be given guidance on
- their own duties
- the operations of the workplace (working conditions, work methods)
- work equipment, and
- occupational safety (hazards and risks, safe working methods).
Orientation usually also covers other basics related to the employment relationship, such as the working time policies, the trial period, wage and salary payments, reporting absences and occupational healthcare services.
A new employee is also usually given written orientation material, which should be read through carefully. These could be e.g. the rules and regulations at the workplace.
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask them during orientation!
Your closest supervisor is usually in charge of the orientation
The supervisor may delegate some of the practical orientation work to the other employees. However, the final responsibility for the orientation stays with the management and the supervisors.
If you feel that you have not received sufficient orientation or that some matters remain unclear, you should bring this up with your supervisor. The occupational health and safety representative or the union representative of your workplace can also help you review the matter.