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Summer Replacements
2003-06-01
| | | This time of year is always a busy time as organizations try to cope with customer demand, while simultaneously planning production schedules, etc., around well deserved vacation time of full time regular staff. Nonetheless, organizations must not relax their thoroughness when recruiting for summer relief staff nor ignore the importance of providing all temporary staff with appropriate health and safety orientation. Remember, their life and your liability could depend on this! | | | | RECRUITMENT & SELECTION | Understand the Job
It is important to understand the duties, responsibilities, reporting relationships and overall objectives of the job in question. For example, are special skills required or specific licences needed? The position description forms the basis for this understanding and can also be used to write the job advertisement and prepare interview questions.
Screening Candidates
A good understanding of the job is essential in order to properly screen candidates ensuring that only those applicants that most closely meet the job requirements are brought in for an interview. Screening candidates is best performed by someone who is knowledgeable and aware of the needs of the position.
Interviewing
The objective here is to develop open-ended questions around the main elements of the job in order that one can determine whether the applicant(s) have the necessary knowledge and experience. Select people who are knowledgeable about the company and the position(s) and good at reading nonverbal body language.
Reference Checking
Employment reference checks are a must and usually done by asking the finalist to sign a release form authorizing the employer to contact references. Some employers will not release any information unless they can be provided with this type of release.
When contacting references be prepared by asking questions confirming what the applicant told you respecting their experience. Preparing a list of questions in advance helps to ensure accuracy and thoroughness here.
Employment Offer
The written offer of employment should confirm: the start date, position title, applicable salary and benefits, term if applicable, etc. and a request to the applicant to confirm in writing their acceptance.
| | | | HEALTH & SAFETY ORIENTATION | Summer replacement staff must be introduced to the organization's health and safety program as described in the health & safety policy statement. Encourage relief staff to act together to help achieve a safe working environment.
Here are a few points to consider:
‘ Ensure relief staff are aware of all health & safety protocols by conducting a Health & Safety orientation program.
‘ Ensure everyone is instructed on the safe operation and use of machinery.
‘ Include relief staff in WHMIS training.
‘ Instruct summer replacements on the proper procedure(s) when an injury or accident occurs.
‘ Inform relief staff of the members of the Health & Safety Committee and how they can be reached.
‘ Advise relief personnel of the whereabouts of the first aid station.
‘ Investigate and follow up on all safety infractions and communicate results accordingly.
By taking the time up front to properly recruit for and select summer replacement staff and by providing them with a new employee orientation including safety training and awareness ensures a positive work experience for the individual, valuable relief to the full time staff and reduces the organization's liability regarding serious injury or illness incurred by employees. |
Contact:
 | Paul R. Hawn, President, Hawn & Associates Inc. | | Suite 507, 421 Bay Street, Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6A 1X3 | | info@Hawn.ca | | http://www.Hawn.ca |
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