New Starter Mentoring and Buddy System

New starters on construction sites are significantly more likely to be injured in their first weeks of employment.
Unfamiliarity with site layout, hazards, equipment, and procedures leaves new workers especially vulnerable.
A buddy system pairs a new starter with an experienced colleague who guides them through the early period.
The mentor or buddy should be someone working in the same area who can provide real-time safety guidance.
Buddying goes beyond the site induction — it provides ongoing, practical support during the settling-in period.
Young workers under 18 have additional legal protections under MHSWR 1999 requiring enhanced supervision.
The buddy should check the new starter understands the task risk assessment and safe working methods.
Regular check-ins between the buddy, the new starter, and the supervisor ensure progress and address concerns.
A buddy system also supports mental health by reducing isolation and building workplace relationships.
The duration of the buddy period should match the complexity and risk level of the new starter's role.

Prevent injuries	New starters are over-represented in accident statistics — structured mentoring reduces their vulnerability significantly.
Knowledge transfer	Experienced workers pass on practical safety knowledge that cannot be covered in a classroom induction alone.
Legal duty	MHSWR 1999 requires employers to provide information, instruction, and supervision — buddying delivers all three.

Do

Don't

Pair every new starter with an experienced buddy working in the same area
Brief the buddy on their responsibilities including safety guidance and monitoring
Introduce the new starter to the site layout, hazards, and emergency procedures
Check that the new starter understands the risk assessment for their first tasks
Schedule regular check-ins between the buddy, new starter, and supervisor
Allow extra time in the first week for the new starter to observe and learn
Encourage the new starter to ask questions without fear of judgement
Extend the buddy period for higher-risk roles or less experienced workers
Provide enhanced supervision for young workers under 18 as required by law
Record the buddy pairing and check-in outcomes in the new starter file

DON'T send new starters to work alone on their first day without a buddy
DON'T assign a buddy who is too busy to provide genuine time and attention
DON'T end the buddy arrangement before the new starter is confident and competent
DON'T assume the site induction is sufficient — it covers rules, not practical skills
DON'T pair new starters with workers who have poor safety attitudes themselves
DON'T skip the buddy system for experienced tradespeople new to your site
DON'T assign high-risk tasks to new starters during their first week on site
DON'T ignore feedback from the new starter about unclear procedures or hazards
DON'T treat the buddy system as optional — it is a core safety management tool
DON'T forget that agency workers and temporary staff need the same buddy support

See also: Behavioural Safety Awareness | Subcontractor Induction Requirements

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