During the holiday season, many businesses hire additional workers to help out with increases in demand. Retailers this year are expected to take on an estimated 640,000 to 690,000 temporary workers. However, if these seasonal employees aren’t properly trained, they can quickly go from a help to a hindrance, and even worse, a liability. Improperly trained employees can present huge workplace safety risks. In fact, a 2014 study conducted by Travelers Insurance found 28 percent of workplace injuries occur during the first year of employment. To mitigate these risks, it’s important for all organizations, regardless of size, to take training for seasonal employees seriously. First, instill a safety-first mindset. Seasonal employees should be made aware of workplace risk factors and how to avoid them. In that same vein, clearly communicate job requirements. The holidays are a hectic time, and if employees aren’t made aware of their specific requirements, they might suffer from post-hire shock. Additionally, new hires should be encouraged to take their time. New workers tend to want to make themselves stand out as good workers, which might lead to rushing and cutting corners. This is how accidents happen.