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What more can you do to reduce accidents?

Soldiers in modern armies spend much of their time training in simulated battle conditions. Live ammunition is fired over troops as they carry out battlefield maneuvers.

This is partly because, in every past war, new recruits have borne the brunt of casualties. If "green" troops survive their first few battles, their chances for long-term survival improve. Battle-seasoned non-commissioned officers play a key role in helping new recruits through their first few experiences under fire; teaching them how to be effective while presenting less of a target to the enemy.

It's much the same in industry
Many researchers have concluded that those who are new on the job have a higher injury rate than more experienced workers. Working safely has not yet become a habit, and new hires do not know the hidden dangers in their unfamiliar workplace.

But more experience does not always add up to safer work habits. Long-term workers can become over self-confident, and may take dangerous short cuts.

Team leaders and supervisors play a key role in helping both new recruits and more experienced workers to work safely. You have been "in the trenches" longer than your "troops". You know
the possible hazards. You can foresee how seemingly innocuous short-cuts can lead to injury.

Think of your team members as soldiers under fire. It's up to you to "battle harden" them; to show them how to work safely as well as effectively.