Employee Onboarding Best Practices

Onboarding is not only a talent initiative, it is a business initiative.

A negative first impression, poor new employee training or lack of new hire planning can all lead to adverse impacts to productivity, retention, performance and engagement. As a result, organizations are thinking more proactively about the way to onboard talent by adopting new practices and investing in both traditional and innovative technology solutions to achieve results.

To help you through the process, we’ve collected some comprehensive articles on the topic. Here you’ll find tips and guidelines for developing your new hire onboarding program, making sure it covers critical areas, and best practices for how to get started.

When you’re ready to take action, we’re hear to help. Vera HR is here to streamline and automate workforce management to make your HR department a competitive differentiator for your company.

Learn more

Read the latest articles on employee onboarding:

KPA EHS Software SDS Management Tool Featured in Safety+Health

September 26, 2022 - Safety+Health featured a KPA EHS software enhancement, SDS Manager to help clients customize their SDS library, easily track and update them, and more.

How to Service Electric Vehicles Safely, from the Daily Drive Podcast

September 23, 2022 - On the Automotive News' Daily Drive podcast, KPA's Micah O'Shaughnessy talks about what dealerships need to do to be safe when servicing and working on electric vehicles.

Update on the FTC Proposed Motor Vehicle Dealers Trade Regulation Rule

On September 12, the comment period ended for the Proposed Motor Vehicle Dealers Trade Regulation Rule. More than 26,000 comments were submitted and we're summarizing a handful of significant comments here.

5 Actions to Take To Prepare for the Updated Safeguards Rule

September 23, 2022 - KPA's Senior Manager of Legal Affairs, outlined the 5 basic things that dealerships need to accomplish to comply with the Safeguards Rule requirement's upcoming deadline of December 9.

EV Hazards: Preparing an EV Battery for Shipping

Once a service technician removes an EV battery and prepares it for shipping, they’ll need to assess its’ risk before packaging it. Here’s how.

What Keeps Safety Leaders Up? The Biggest Challenges Facing EHS Programs

We asked safety leaders to describe the challenges they face in terms of meeting their EHS-focused initiatives. Here’s what they had to say.

OSHA’s Top 10 Most Frequently Cited Violations of 2022

Use OSHA’s Top 10 Violations to help your organization prioritize workforce safety and compliance initiatives for a safer workplace.

KPA Compliance Consultant Named a National Safety Council 2022 Rising Star of Safety

September 20, 2022 - One of KPA’s compliance consultants, Zach Pucillo, CSP, CHMM, a KPA Environmental, Health, and Safety District Supervisor, was honored by the National Safety Council (NSC) as a 2022 Rising Star of Safety. This award marks the first time a KPA compliance consultant has been recognized by the NSC.

KPA Headquarters Moves to a New Location in Westminster, CO

September 19, 2022 - KPA opened its new headquarters office in Westminster, Colo. The new space, located between Denver and Boulder, is designed for KPA's remote-first workspace model.

3 Reasons Not to Cut Your Safety Program

September 16, 2022 - When the economy slows down, often companies look to tighten and slim down budgets. Here are 3 reasons for your leadership on why that your safety program shouldn't be included.

What Is Your Dealership Cyber Security Stance?

The better a dealership’s cyber security stance, the better it can withstand the ever-increasing savvy of cybercriminals and cyber-attacks. Learn how to strengthen yours.

What Are the Top Priorities for EHS Programs? Survey Results Show Us the Focus

We asked, you answered. Read how your peers are focusing their efforts in the latest study - State of the Market: EHS Program Performance.

OSHA Scaffolding: How to Stay In Line With OSHA’s Standard

What is OSHA’s scaffolding standard? Why are scaffolding violations so common? How can you avoid one? Find the answers and more in this KPA article.

New Study Finds EHS Programs Will Focus on Reducing Incidents and Improving Workplace Culture Over Next 12 Months

September 8, 2022 - KPA and EHS Today released the “State of the Market: EHS Program Performance.” The new industry report found that in the next year, EHS programs will be extremely focused on reducing incidents. Additionally, it found a strong tie between the importance of a company’s EHS program to employee engagement and positive workplace culture.

Addressing Substance Abuse in the Workplace: An Interview with ABC’s Greg Sizemore

This week on The Safety Meeting, we’re joined by Greg Sizemore with ABC, to discuss the staggering impact of substance abuse in the workplace and ensuring health and safety through awareness and prevention.

EV Hazards: How to Assess the Risk of Battery Fire Outside a Vehicle

Need to assess an EV battery that's outside a vehicle? Got a new battery ready to install or one you've removed for shipping? Here's what to do to stay safe.

KPA and SDP Compliance Partnership Provides Dealerships with Safeguards Rule IT Compliance Solutions

September 7, 2022 - KPA and Sensitive Data Project, LLC (SDP) announced a partnership to provide dealerships with cyber security services and tools that address the mandated FTC requirements of the Safeguards Rule that begins December 9, 2022.

5 Steps to Developing Your ESG Strategy

EHS professionals are key players in any ESG initiative. But how do you get one off the ground? Here are 5 steps to help set your ESG strategy.

Fall Protection: How to Avoid the Most Common OSHA Violation

Falls are the #1 reason employees get hurt or killed at work. Learn how to keep your workers safe and comply with OSHA’s fall protection and training standards.

EV Hazards: How to Assess the Risk of Battery Fire Inside a Vehicle

Assessing high-voltage EV batteries isn’t the easiest task, but we're here to break it down for you. Follow these steps to asses your risk.

Do You Know What PPE You Need? Take this PPE Assessment to Find Out

Although PPE should be one of the last lines of defense against workplace hazards, it's still essential to keep workers safe. Use this assessment to determine what you need.

Here’s How Much That Wrongful Termination Claim Will Cost You

A wrongful termination claim sounds like an “ouch.” But how bad is it, really? Not great, as it turns out. Win or lose, here’s what you can expect to pay.

Anatomy of an EV Battery

Here's your guide to determining which EV batteries pose more risk than others so you can classify them as critical, high, or average.

Three Ways to Use Data to Prevent Future Accidents

In the safety world, many organizations still rely on spreadsheets and binders full of outdated information. Here’s a practical look at what it takes to shift to a preventive EHS program using easily accessible data.

KPA EHS Configurable Dashboards and Reporting

OSHA Wiring and Electrical Safety: What You Need to Know

Electrical issues related to wiring are one of the most dangerous workplace hazards—and one of the most common OSHA violations. Here’s what you need to know.

Equipment Inspection Best Practices: An Interview with KPA's Dale Golgart

On this episode of The Safety Meeting, we're joined by Dale Golgart, Senior Sales Associate at KPA, to discuss proper equipment inspections and providing a safe environment for employees through consistency and documentation.

Inflation Reduction Act EV Tax Credit

The new law creates a tax credit for electric vehicles (EVs) but creates a problem for dealers as the changeover occurs from current tax credit policies to the new IRA EV provisions.

Don't Get Caught Cherry Picking: Aerial Lift Best Practices

A fairly common practice - renting an aerial or scissor lift to access elevated signs, roofs, and lights. Lift fines for improper use often exceed $10,000, reminding operators of the safety and financial importance of proper operating.

OSHA Respiratory Protection: How to Ensure Safety and Compliance

OSHA’s respiratory protection standard outlines how to minimize worker exposure to hazardous air. Learn what’s required and how to ensure safe respirator use.

OSHA Safe + Sound Week 2022: 3 Ideas on How You Can Participate

Deck the halls with safety posters and leave out a plate of saltines for the OSHA inspector, because it’s Safe + Sound Week 2022! Learn how you can participate.

The Secret to Employee Engagement Is Pride

Most people are motivated by meaning, not money. So, how do you create meaning in the workplace? By giving employees a reason to feel proud of their work.

KPA and AON Announce Partnership to Provide Risk Management Center to Casualty Risk Control Clients

August 1, 2022 - Today, Aon and KPA announced a newly formed partnership providing Aon client organizations working with the Casualty Risk Control consulting group with access to the leading online compliance and safety management platform, the KPA Risk Management Center.

Workplace Violence: What Do You Need to Know?

Nearly 2 million US workers report having been victims of workplace violence each year. Learn best practices for deterring workplace violence.

Pop Quiz: Can Your Dealership Survive an OSHA Visit?

It’s the visit that every dealer finds intimidating. Take this quiz to see how knowledgeable you are about OSHA inspections.

The Insurance Broker's Role in Employer-Driven Safety: An Interview with KPA's Rob Stansbury

On this episode of The Safety Meeting, we discuss the role that insurance brokers play in employer driven safety.

How Much Does An Injury Cost Your Business? Try The Injury Cost Calculator

Workplace injuries cost the US economy $164.6 billion annually. Use the injury cost calculator to estimate your costs for a workplace injury.

KPA Releases New Electric Vehicle Compliance Training Course for Service Technicians

August 3, 2022 -KPA released a new compliance training course to raise general awareness about electric vehicle (EV) safety for employees in dealerships, collision centers, recreational vehicle shops, and other certain truck facilities.

OSHA and Ladder Safety: What You Need to Know

OSHA has specific rules about using and working near ladders, as well as how ladders should be designed. Learn what you need to know in this KPA article.

The Latest Opinions on ESG: Three Articles to Keep You Up To Speed

Yesterday alone there were 2,400 articles published on the topic of ESG. There’s NO way to keep up with all of the research. But we’ve selected three that may just help:

Pop Quiz: Test Your Hazard Communication Smarts

The Hazard Communication Standard is designed to inform employees about workplace chemicals, and one of OSHA's Top 10. Test your HCS knowledge.

EV Safety: Do You Know the 5 Points of Energetic Failure?

Energetic failure in electric vehicles can pose a danger to both your facility and your employees. Check out the possible points of energetic failure in EVs.

Job Safety Analysis: OSHA Making You Go “OMG?” TBH, You May Want to Consider a JSA

OSHA, EPA, NEP, PPE—if regulatory alphabet soup is making you go “OMG,” allow us to introduce you to a helpful acronym for once: JSA—i.e. job safety analysis

Road Construction Safety Reflector Flasher

Automating Your Safety Metrics: An Interview with KPA's Alaina Adair

On this episode of The Safety Meeting, we discuss how automating your safety metrics helps alleviate stress, save time, and minimize frustration.

Bite Back Against Mosquitos: How To Keep Them Under Control At Your Facility

No one likes to get a mosquito bite and itch for days afterward. Here are some steps to keep mosquitoes down to a dull whine in your facility.

How to Stay Safe and Compliant With OSHA’s Forklift Standards

Forklifts can be dangerous. Loads can fall. Vehicles can tip over. Pedestrians can get hit. Learn how to keep your workforce safe and avoid an OSHA violation.

Updates to the LAW 553 Retail Installment Sale Contract

Some changes have been made to the LAW 553 Retail Installment Sale Contract that are already impacting your captive lenders. Although the updates are minor, they will require some reprogramming and I advise you to start looking into the changes you'll need to make now.

EV Hazards: Tips to Reduce Fire and Storage Hazards in Your Dealership

Let’s take a closer look at EV fire risks, severity, and the hazards associated with storing EV batteries onsite. Learn steps to reduce these risks.

How’s Your Hazard Communication Program Performing? Tips for an Effective Review

KPA Compliance Training Receives Online Learning Library Top 20 Honor for Fifth Consecutive Year

July 13, 2022 – For the fifth consecutive year, KPA has been recognized for its extensive and impactful library of Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) content. The award demonstrates KPA’s commitment to producing compelling, relevant, high-quality training courses.

How often should you inspect fire extinguishers? Learn best practices.

We all hope never to use our fire extinguishers, but they still need to be inspected and maintained in case of emergency. Here's some tips.

Staying Compliant with Safety Regulations: An Interview with KPA's Craig Downey

On this episode of The Safety Meeting, we discuss keeping your safety policies and training up to date, backing these up with documentation, and using audits to keep your programs in check. Listen in!

How to Train Your Employees on the Hazardous Chemicals in Their Work Areas

Employees must be aware of protective measures available, how to use them, and whom to contact if an issue arises. Find training best practices.

Health & Safety Lessons from a 32-Time Jeopardy! Winner (Really)

Quick review of an health and safety article incorporates color blindness, fear of flying, and Jeopardy! winner James Holzhauer to make a point about the risks we choose to ignore.

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What the FTC Proposed Rule Could Mean for Dealership Ads, F&I

July 1, 2022 - KPA's Ryan Daly spoke with Automotive News, commenting on the FTC's proposed rule to target misleading and unfair business practices in dealerships.

Navigating OSHA's Heat Illness National Emphasis Program

June 30, 2022 - An in-depth article by Team Supervisor, Stephany Birkholz, talks about the implications of the Heat Illness National Emphasis Program and what businesses can do and expect from OSHA.

Container Labeling: Best Practices for OSHA Compliance and Employee Safety

Container labeling is a critical part of OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard, and one that trips up a lot of safety teams. We’ve got some best practices for you.

FTC Proposes Rule to Ban Junk Fees and Bait-and-Switch Advertising Tactics Used by Dealerships

The Federal Trade Commission has proposed a new rule to protect consumers by targeting junk fees and bait-and-switch advertising tactics employed by dealers.

Get Ready for Hurricane Season

Hurricanes are a considerable concern for many of our customers. But without much to do to fight a hurricane or any other natural disaster head-on, the best thing that safety managers can do is stay one step ahead of the next big one.

National Safety Month Week 4: Slips Trips and Falls

With falls being the second-leading cause of unintentional injury-related death, this last week of National Safety Month we’ll focus on reducing slips, trips and falls, including falls from heights.

FTC Proposes New Motor Vehicle Dealers Trade Regulation Rule

The FTC has proposed a new rule, the “Motor Vehicle Dealers Trade Regulation Rule,” which will affect dealers nationwide. It seeks to create a set of guidelines to “protect consumers and honest dealers by making the car-buying process more clear and competitive.”

3 Things Every Hazard Communication Program Needs

June 17, 2022 - Hazard Communication ranks in the top 5 OSHA violations every year. A KPA compliance consultant breaks down the three things every hazard communication program needs to have.

Working With Electric Vehicles: An Interview with KPA's Wayne Curtis

On this episode of The Safety Meeting, we discuss the rise of electric vehicles and how dealerships can address EV safety concerns. Listen in!

Best Practices for Maintaining Safety Data Sheets

Employees have the right to know what chemicals they could be exposed to and their potential hazards. That’s the reason for OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard, and why Safety Data Sheets are important.

The Power of Collaboration Across Departments

June 21, 2022 - Leaders from marketing, product development, and technology talk about how KPA uses trust and teamwork to develop and deliver high-quality workplace compliance products that meet customer and market needs.

National Safety Week 3: Resources for Injury Prevention

We’re in week three of National Safety Month. And this week we are joining NSC in focusing on ways to prevent workplace injuries.

How to Prepare a Written Hazard Communication Program

Your Hazard Communication Written Program documents how you ensure employees are educated on the HazCom process and the chemicals they work with. Here's how to write one.

Employee Training: 4 Ways to Increase Learning Retention

Here are four employee training strategies for if you want to reach employees of every learning style, experience level, and skillset.

KPA Launches New, Configurable Safety Data Sheet (SDS) Management System

June 14, 2022 – Today, KPA launched SDS Manager, a new capability for the KPA EHS software platform that has a very user-friendly interface and access to millions of safety data sheets to help ensure compliance with OSHA's hazard communication regulations.

National Safety Month: Week 2's Resources for Workplace Impairment

As we continue our celebration of National Safety Month, we want to bring your attention to the very important topic of impairment. We all know the dangers of substance use on the job. But did you know mental distress, stress, and fatigue are also impairing?

Updates & Action Items to Prepare for the Safeguards Rule

June 10, 2022 - On the Daily Drive podcast, KPA's Robert Ebin spoke about what dealers can do to prepare for the Safeguards Rule changes taking effect in December.

6 Tips to Improve Your Employee Training Program

June 8, 2022 - From knowing your employees' learning preferences to repetition, and bite-sized learning, KPA's Product Director of Training has several tips for RV dealerships when it comes to employee training programs.

What To Do Comply for the Safeguards Rule

June 8, 2022 – KPA's Senior Manager of Legal Affairs wrote a guest article in Automotive News about what dealers need to do to comply with the Safeguards Rule.

Work Smarter Not Harder: An Interview with KPA's Dale Golgart

On this episode of The Safety Meeting, Sage speaks with Dale Golgart, Senior Sales Associate at KPA, to explain how utilizing a safety software can simplify your work as a safety leader within your company.

Who’s on your Hazard Communication Team? Don't Overlook These Important Groups

Compliance with the Hazard Communication Standard is not a one-shot deal. You’ll need to determine who’s responsible for both the initial and ongoing activities needed for compliance. We’re here to help you get this process rolling.

EPA Approves KPA’s Technician Training Program for Motor Vehicle Air Conditioning

June 8, 2022 - The EPA has approved KPA’s Technician Training and Certification program for Motor Vehicle Air Conditioning (MVAC). With this approval, KPA is among a unique shortlist of 15 in the U.S. who can provide this certification.

Behind the Scenes with KPA's Training Team

KPA recently opened a new office space devoted to developing, executing, and distributing compliance training content, and we thought we’d give you a peek behind the scenes.

What’s Hot on the Hotline?—Three-Day Cancellation Right and Door-to-Door Sales

Let's set the record straight about this “three-day cancellation right,” and there is probably no need to panic so long as you follow the recommended steps.

Ohio Manager Training Requirements Due by June 30

The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation requires managers to take 2 hours of safety training. Have you taken the training courses yet? The June 30 deadline is coming up fast.

2022 Minimum Wage Changes and Increases

KPA has been tracking state and local minimum wage changes and increases HR professionals need to know. Here is a roundup of changes starting July 1, 2022.

Summer Safety Hazards: How to Stay Prepared

Summer isn’t all fun in the sun. Excessive heat, natural disasters, and other safety concerns often rear their ugly heads. Learn summer safety tips

National Safety Month Week 1: Focus on Musculoskeletal Disorders

June is National Safety Month, and we're celebrating with the National Safety Council. This first week we're focusing on musculoskeletal disorders.

What You Need to Know About Hazard Communication

Ongoing compliance with the Hazard Communication Standard can be straightforward when you take all the appropriate steps. Learn best practices.

New Office Features State-of-the-Art Space for KPA’s Compliance Training Team

June 1, 2022 - KPA opened a new office space in Pittsburgh, Penn., devoted to developing, executing, and distributing compliance training content.

Best Practices to Combat Substance Abuse in the Construction Industry

One-third of all incidents on construction job sites are substance abuse related. Learn the key components of a successful substance abuse program.

7 Benefits of a Successful Housekeeping Program

Housekeeping isn’t just good for your people and your soul—it’s good for your bottom line. How does cleanliness mean money? Let’s count the ways.

How to Get Your CEO's Buy-In for Safety Software

May 29, 2022 - KPA CEO has 3 steps for safety professionals to follow to convince their CEOs to invest in safety technology.

Cultivating a Healthy Workplace: An Interview with KPA's Jill Schaefer & Shawn Smith

On this episode of The Safety Meeting, Sage speaks with Jill Schaefer and Shawn Smith about how creating a healthy work environment goes beyond physical workplace safety.

Quick Q&A - Are technicians allowed to wear shorts?

Short answer is maybe. Dealers will have to determine the hazards posed to their technicians before making this decision. Here are some things to consider.

The Link Between Safety and Good Housekeeping

Housekeeping is a crucial part of any EHS program. See how cleaning improves safety and learn what hazards to look out for in your organization.

Compliance Tips for the Used Car Rule and Buyers Guides

There's a lot to talk about when it comes to the Used Car Rule, so during this week's episode, F&I compliance expert, Aaron Hartshorn reviews the basics of compliance with the rule and your buyers guides.

Calculating the Cost of Workplace Injuries, OSHA-Style

To help employers understand the economic impact of employee health and safety accidents, OSHA has created a handy calculator. We decided to give “$afety Pays” a $pin and see if workplace injuries really cost as much as OSHA would have you believe.

Poor Housekeeping: Can You Spot the Issues?

We’ve assembled some real examples of poor housekeeping. See if you can identify what’s wrong in each photo and how the issue could lead to illness or injury.

Curbing Heat Illness: An Interview with KPA's Micah O'Shaughnessy

This week on The Safety Meeting, Sage and Micah discuss preparing for the hot summer months by understanding the signs of heat illness and implementing basic precautionary measures to prevent it in the first place.

The Best Workforce Training Is Based on Real-World Examples

The use of real-life examples is one of the key principles of effective workforce training. Here’s how we do it in KPA’s award-winning training courses.

Customer Story: Camper's Inn Sets Up for Continued Growth with HR, Safety and Sales and F&I Solutions

“We like to grow fast. KPA understanding how we operate and how can they help us improve has been fantastic.” Dealership audits + Learning Management = Comprehensive Solution

Sales F&I Expert Comments on FTC Case, Consistent Product Pricing

May 9, 2022 - A KPA F&I compliance expert is quoted in an Automotive News story about practicing consistent product pricing, amidst the FTC's focus on dealership-related claims.

Safety from the Ground Up: An Interview with ABC's Greg Sizemore

This week on The Safety Meeting, Sage welcomes back Greg Sizemore, Vice President of health, safety, environment, and workforce development for ABC, to share the findings from the 2022 Safety Performance Report.

Backdating: Be Transparent

During this week's episode, F&I compliance expert, Ryan Daly, talks about backdating in today's world and how important it is for dealers to be transparent with customers about it.

Motivating Employees to Clean Up: Dos and Don’ts

How do you motivate your team to clean up and get involved in your company’s 5S program? How do you turn housekeeping into a habit? Here’s what to do and not do.

TRIR: One More Reason to Focus on This Important Safety Metric

Focus on TRIR before others focus on it for you. Here’s what to do if your TRIR falls above or below the industry average.

A Quick Reminder About Refinancing - Don't Do It

In an attempt to cope with dwindling inventory, dealers have needed to come up with new ways to stay afloat. Consequently, we have heard of some finance personnel soliciting car purchasers with offers to “lower your current interest rate and monthly payment” by refinancing. Let's set the record straight on this idea.

Taking a Holistic Approach to EHS and ESG: An Interview with KPA’s CEO, Chris Fanning

In this week’s episode, tune in to hear how adopting a holistic approach to safety training will better implement safety-driven cultural change in the long run.

Use the 5S System to Keep Your Facility Clean, Safe, and Efficient

Here’s how to practice good housekeeping with the 5 S Principles (also known as the 5S System, or 5S), a lean business methodology for workplace organization.

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Is Your Fall Protection Equipment Expired?

April 25, 2022 - KPA's Glorianna Corman, REM, CHMM, CSP, urges employers to consider their fall protection equipment's expiration dates, buying the right equipment, and more.

Avoid Credit App Manipulation to Avoid Customer Litigation, Lender Fraud

During this week's episode, F&I compliance expert, Aaron Hartshorn discusses the detrimental risks of manipulating a credit application to be more appealing to lenders.

5 Toolbox Talk Tips For Worker Safety During a Labor Shortage

April 20, 2022 - KPA's Product Director of Training, Shawn Smith, has five tips for a better toolbox talk to address employee safety during a labor shortage.

How Workplace Housekeeping Can Keep Your Workers Safe and Save You Money

Clutter and mess create unnecessary hazards for workers—as well as major headaches for executives if OSHA comes to visit. Here’s why housekeeping matters.

OSHA Announces First-Ever National Emphasis Program for Heat Hazards

Last week, OSHA and the White House formally announced an indoor and outdoor heat illness and injury National Emphasis Program. We're covering what it is, what it means for you, and next steps.

How to Create a Successful Onboarding program

A KPA compliance expert wrote about the key aspects of an onboarding program and how dealerships can create a successful program.

A KPA expert recently wrote an article in RV Executive Today

Dealership F&I Hot Topics: An Interview with Ryan Daly

On today's episode, Sage is joined by F&I expert, Ryan Daly, who is an F&I district manager for KPA. Ryan and I discuss what best practices dealerships can use in order to stay compliant and avoid expensive violations.

How to Use Corrective and Preventative Actions to Keep Your Company Safe

What’s the difference between a corrective and preventive action? How do you figure out which ones are most important to tackle first?

3 Sales F&I Practices That Will Cost Your Dealership $10 Million

A recent settlement from the Federal Trade Commission warrants a review of non-compliant dealership practices and how to save yourself millions.

FTC Action Against Illinois Dealer Group--$10 Million Settlement

An Illinois dealer group allegedly discriminated against Black customers by charging them more for financing and allegedly slipped unwanted add-ons to customers’ bills.