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Model Mentoring System Procedure
Problem
Workers under age 25 are, by age group, the most vulnerable workers. Lack of experience and reluctance to ask questions are contributing factors to the vulnerability of this group. Assigning each young worker a more experienced mentor is one of the things you can do to protect them from injury.
How the Tool Helps Solve the Problem
Here’s a Model Mentoring System Procedure you can adapt for your own workplace.
ABC COMPANY
MENTORING SYSTEM PROCEDURE
1. PURPOSE
ABC Company has adopted this policy to ensure that when young people are first hired, they are welcomed and make a safe, healthy, productive and enjoyable transition to working here. Statistically, workers are more likely to suffer on the job injuries and illnesses when they are age 25 or young. A new worker’s orientation is greatly enhanced by being assigned a mentor.
2. POLICY
ABC Company will assign all workers age [list specific age, e.g., 21 and under] a mentor when they’re first hired in accordance with the terms of this Procedure.
3. ROLE OF MENTORS
Mentors are there not to replace but to supplement managers and supervisors in the team effort to make the new worker feel welcome and keep him/her healthy and safe through the transition to the ABC Company workforce and beyond. Mentor’s responsibilities include:
a. Showing the worker the ropes, including providing a tour of the workplace on the new worker’s first day;
b. Being available to answer the new worker’s questions about the ABC Company work environment and work culture in a positive and encouraging way;
c. Encouraging the new worker to work safely;
d. Reporting to supervisors and keeping them apprised of the new worker’s progress.
4. MENTORING IS VOLUNTARY
No employee will be assigned the role of mentor unless he/she wants to be. Employees will indicate their willingness to serve as mentors by completing the ABC Company Mentoring Application Form and submitting it to [list person/office responsible, e.g., HR department].
5. DESIGNATION OF MENTORS
Mentors will be designated by [list person responsible, e.g., company safety director]. In exercising such discretion, [list person responsible] will select as mentors individuals who, in [list person responsible] judgment:
a. Are sincere about wanting to help new workers;
b. Have the time and inclination to make themselves available to the new worker;
c. Hold (or have held) a job similar to that of the new worker;
d. Have been with ABC Company at least [list minimum length of service] and have a full understanding of the work environment;
e. Have a good performance record;
f. Is well regarded by his/her peers and supervisors;
g. Has strong communication and interpersonal skills; and
h. Has personal characteristics that make for a good mentor including trustworthiness, diligence, patience, positive attitude and pride for ABC Company.
6. Mentors to Receive Mentorship Training
Employees accepted as mentors will receive mentorship training after they’ve been designated and before they’re assigned a new worker to mentor. [Describe training provided to mentors]
This tool and hundreds more available in the SafetySmart Compliance Toolbox at www.safetysmartcompliance.com