By Nate Leu, MAT, LAT, ATC

Every veteran athlete remembers being the rookie. Learning the playbook is one thing. Learning the pace, the habits, and the little details that don’t show up in practice is another. The industrial workplace is no different. Here are five common mistakes new hires may make and how experienced teammates can help them succeed.

Trying to Tough it Out

Mistake: New hires often ignore soreness or fatigue because they don’t want to look weak or incapable.

New hires often want to prove they can handle the job. That can mean brushing off sore muscles, fatigue, or mental stress with the hope it will go away. However, those small issues have a tendency to become bigger ones. Stretch & Flex programs and microbreaks give the body and mind a chance to reset. Veteran employees can help by checking in with new teammates and reminding them that taking care of yourself is part of doing the job well.

Running On Empty

Mistake: Skipping water, meals, or snacks because they’re focused on learning the job or keeping up.

It’s easy for new hires to get so focused on learning the job that they forget to fuel for it. Proper nutrition and hydration help maintain energy, focus, and physical performance throughout the shift while reducing the risk of muscle cramps. The best mentors can help by encouraging breaks, pointing out hydration stations, and reinforcing healthy habits.

Strength Over Strategy

Mistake: A new employee may mimic what they’re seeing without understanding the mechanics behind it.

Lifting, pushing, pulling, and carrying items are among the leading causes of strains and sprains. Good ergonomics help reduce those risks while improving efficiency. Experienced teammates can help by demonstrating proper body mechanics, explaining the “why” behind them, and reinforcing good movement habits before poor ones take hold.

Assuming Instead of Asking

Mistake: Uncertainty around PPE, traffic patterns, equipment, or procedures, but not wanting to ask questions.

Some might think policy and procedure manuals are just paperwork to review once a year. They’re actually designed to protect you and your coworkers. Take the time to understand the expectations, ask questions, and speak up when something doesn’t look right.

Waiting Too Long to Speak Up

Mistake: Not reporting discomfort, near misses, damaged equipment, or mistakes because they’re embarrassed or afraid.

New hires sometimes think an injury or discomfort isn’t worth mentioning unless it’s severe. Small aches and pains often become bigger problems when they’re ignored. Early reporting gives Work Right clinicians the opportunity to address issues sooner. Veteran employees can help by creating an environment where new hires feel comfortable speaking up early.

A new hire may only spend a few weeks learning the job, but the habits they develop during that time can last for years. Make those first lessons count.

Nate Leu, MAT, LAT, ATC || Nate is a Certified Athletic Trainer who earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degree from Washington State University. After graduation, he spent one year working in the secondary school setting before switching to industrial injury prevention. Outside of work, Nate loves to hang out with his family, put together puzzles, watch movies, or binge-watch the latest popular TV shows.

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Be sure to check out our other blogs for further injury prevention education and tips for the industrial athlete from Work Right!