Episode 117 tackles a deceptively simple question with big cultural impact: Who should actually deliver New Hire Safety Orientation? Dr. Ayers argues that the presenter matters just as much as the content—because the first safety message a new employee hears sets the tone for everything that follows.
New hires decide whether safety is real—or just a slogan—based on who delivers the message. The orientation should be led by someone with credibility, authority, and genuine commitment to safety.
New hires are forming their first impressions.
The presenter signals what the organization truly values.
A weak or disengaged presenter sends the message that safety is optional.
Dr. Ayers is clear:
Don’t assign it to the newest safety person.
Don’t hand it off to HR by default.
Don’t treat it as a box‑checking task.
These choices undermine the seriousness of the message.
The ideal presenter is someone who embodies the organization’s safety expectations:
A senior leader or experienced safety professional who:
Speaks with authority
Understands the real hazards of the work
Can answer questions confidently
Shows genuine care for employee well‑being
Demonstrates that safety is a leadership priority
When a respected leader delivers orientation, new hires immediately understand that safety is non‑negotiable.
It builds trust from day one.
It shows alignment between words and actions.
It reinforces that safety is everyone’s responsibility—not just the safety department’s.
It encourages new hires to speak up early and often.
A strong presenter can:
Establish communication norms
Reinforce reporting expectations
Model the behaviors the organization wants
Create psychological safety for asking questions
This early influence shapes how new hires behave for months.
New Hire Safety Orientation should be delivered by someone who represents the organization’s commitment to safety—not the person with the lightest schedule. When a credible leader sets the tone on day one, new employees understand that safety is a core value, not a compliance task.
