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:

New Guidance Expands OSHA’s Instance-by-Instance Citations

Next month, OSHA is changing instance-by-instance citations, giving administrators and regional directors the option to break out individual citations instead of grouping them together. The move could make citations extremely costly to organizations that violate standards multiple times.

OSHA and EPA Increase Penalties for 2023: Stay Out of Their Crosshairs

As they now do every year, the fine folks at OSHA and the EPA have raised their fines for 2023. See the new $$$$ and learn how to stay out of their crosshairs.

Don’t Sleep on the FTC Proposal to Ban Junk Fees, Bait-and-Switch Ad Tactics

Dealers are waiting for details from the Federal Trade Commission about the Motor Vehicle Dealers Trade Regulation Rule. In preparation for more information, here's what we already know.

When Should You Report an Injury to OSHA? (Flowchart)

We work in an industry filled with heavy machinery, noxious chemicals, and distracted workers. Keep these OSHA injury reporting timelines handy just in case.

What's the ROI of EHS Software? Here's What KPA Customers Say.

Wondering if an investment in EHS software is worth it? Our customers share their insights on the benefits of safety-focused technology and how it has made their lives easier.

EHS Training: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How to Do It Right

If you want to optimize worker training at your organization, you’re new to workplace safety training, or unsure what training OSHA requires, KPA has you covered.

Safety Audits and Inspections: A KPA Consultant’s View

The only way to avoid wrecking yourself with workforce incidents and losses is to regularly check yourself by examining your facilities, equipment, people, and processes. Here's how.

5 Tips for a Comprehensive Electric Vehicle Safety Training Program

January 19, 2023 - KPA Regulatory Project Manager, Micah O'Shaugnessy, talks about training employees on electric vehicle (EV) safety. From facility-specific programs to targeting everyone in a dealership, EV safety training requires up-to-date information, emergency response, and much more.

Strengthen Your EHS Reporting: Two Steps To Get You Started in 2023

Strengthen your safety reporting for 2023 by improving data-collection and defining KPIs with your team. Get actionable insights to reduce OSHA cases & proactively prevent incidents.

Built In Honors KPA Among 2023 Best Places to Work Awards

January 17, 2023 - KPA has been listed among Built In Colorado's 2023 Best Places to Work and Best Midsize Companies to Work For, making this the fourth consecutive year for the organization.

The Difference Between OSHA Recordable Versus Reportable Incidents

January 17, 2023 - ASSP reported on a KPA's OSHA Reporting and You webinar, led by KPA EHS Regulatory Compliance Manager, Zach Pucillo, CSP, CHMM, that covers the steps to determine whether an incident is recordable or reportable to OSHA.

Got EV Questions? Ask Our Expert!

Looking to stay safe and up-to-date when it comes to electric vehicles? Our EV safety experts have you covered with the latest best practices.

OSHA Reporting Forms: Which One Should You Use and When? Let's Get it Straight

Unsure of which OSHA form to use or when to submit it? This blog post breaks down the requirements for each form so you can stay compliant.

OSHA’s Focus in 2023: An Interview with KPA’s Zach Pucillo

On this week’s episode of the Safety Meeting, Erin reconnects with Zach Pucillo, EHS Regulatory Compliance Manager at KPA. We discuss upcoming changes from OSHA and the EPA, as well as safety program tips to start the year off strong.

Got Sales F&I Questions? Ask Our Expert!

Watch a quick interview with Sales and F&I expert Ryan Daly and head to NADA this year to get your questions answered by him and other experts about current hot topics!

How to Identify ESG Risks and Activities

When it comes to mitigating ESG risks and activities, quick wins can make a big impact. Here’s how to identify your current practices and prioritize focus areas for maximum ROI.

The Impact of Electric Vehicles on a Dealership's Safety Program

January 10, 2023 - Micah O'Shaughnessy, KPA's Regulatory Project Manager, talks with Jay Kumar on EHS on Tap about how EVs are changing everything from business models to dealership layouts, and the impact that they have on the safety of everyone in the dealership.

Big Topics We’re Looking Forward To at NADA 2023

Here are our picks for exciting topics to look out for at the NADA show in Dallas, TX. Can't wait to see you there!

OSHA Reporting - Here's What You Need To Know To Make Reporting Easy

Here’s what you need to know about OSHA reporting and recordkeeping. What needs to be reported. The difference between reportable and recordable and much more.

New Laws and Regulations 2023

There are several new laws and regulations in California that may impact dealer operations in 2023.

How to Fill Out Your OSHA 300A Form

OSHA reporting season's here - with the first deadline February 1st. Here are some tips on filling out your OSHA 300A form.

Three Tips to Designing a Successful Workforce Training Program

The most important principle of training is knowing your audience. Learn how to design and implement training for different learners and learning styles.

KPA Expert Weighs in On Training & Education Trends

December 20, 2022 - KPA's Product Director, Training sat down with Safety+Health to discuss trends in training and education. Smith provided insights into training technology and the direction he sees for workplace training programs.

Most Popular Dealer Posts of 2022

Here’s what your peers in dealerships across the country are reading on the KPA blog. Stay up to speed on the latest insights.

2023 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 January 1, 2023.

Safeguards Update: What Dealers Need to Know

In this episode we break down what dealers need to know about the FTC's Safeguards Rule, the recent extension, and how they can get compliant.

Training Trends for 2023: An Interview with KPA’s Shawn Smith

In this episode of The Safety Meeting, KPA’s Shawn Smith discusses key takeaways of the Annual Training and Content Survey.

Top 10 Training Courses in 2022

Hats off to KPA customers - in 2022, KPA customers completed 4.75 million online courses. Curious what made the top 10? Here’s the list.

3 Construction Safety Trends from the 2022 National Safety Council Congress & Expo

December 13, 2022 - KPA's Dale Golgart wrote an article about 3 trends he saw during this year's National Safety Council Congress and Expo, ranging from mental health to safety technology.

Top 10 Training Courses for Dealers in 2022

Hats off to KPA customers - in 2022, our dealer customers alone completed 972,323 online courses. Curious what made the top 10? Here’s the list.

The Pros and Cons of Running In-House Safety Audits

Conducting safety audits - there are lots of ways to approach the topic. We’ve got some pros and cons to weigh when deciding your course of action.

KPA CEO Talks Safety Technology & Priorities

December 8, 2022 - As part of the Faces of EHS series, KPA President and CEO, Chris Fanning, spoke with Grace Hatfield about how company CEOs and senior leadership need to make safety a core component of their organization's values and ideas for ways to show their commitment.

Check Out the Audit & Inspection Resource Hub

Evaluating your facilities, people, and processes makes your workplace safer and more efficient. Check out this collection of resources to help you follow audit & inspection best practices.

KPA Weighs In On Safeguards Rule Deadline Extension

December 7, 2022 - KPA Senior Manager of Legal Affairs, Robert Ebin, Esq., spoke with Wards Auto about the impact of the deadline extension to comply with the Safeguards Rule requirements.

How to Keep Your Employees Safe on a Reduced Budget

December 6, 2022 - KPA's SVP of New Markets, Deren Boyd, has three tips for construction companies to keep workers safe on a reduced budget.

How to Determine ESG Objectives and Measure Success

Any ESG initiative will fail unless supported by a framework that lays out your company’s ambitions, goals, and milestones. Here’s how to develop one.

A New Set of Tools to Keep EV Technicians Safe

December 5, 2022 - A KPA compliance consultant discussed what tools and training technicians need to safely work on electric vehicles (EVs).

4 Keys to a Solid Safety Audit and Inspection Program

Feeling overwhelmed by safety audits and inspections? Let’s make it easy. These are the 4 basic components of any comprehensive assessment of an EHS program.

Taking a Deep Dive on Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

December 1, 2022 - KPA Product Director, Jade Brainard, recently wrote an in-depth article about the critical nature of safety data sheets (SDS), their role in hazard communication plans, and everything else managers need to know.

5 Keys to Year-End Safety Reporting

To get the most out of your safety reports, build systems beforehand that ensure your data provides a solid foundation for meaningful reporting.

What Does an Effective Regulatory Audit Look Like? Learn Best Practices

Not sure what to expect during a regulatory audit? Here are a few concerns and questions an auditor will focus on when visiting your facility.

What Should You Cover in a Facility Audit? Learn Best Practices

A facility audit serves as an in-the-weeds, department-by-department investigation of an organization’s physical premises, teams, and workforce behaviors.

5 Tips for a Long-Lasting Training Program

November 17, 2022 - KPA's Product Director of Training, discussed several tips to adjust your training programs during a market slowdown to keep employees and businesses safe.

How To Move Beyond the Spreadsheet: Here's What KPA Customers Say

Spreadsheets stink! Where are safety professionals looking beyond the spreadsheets and leaning on EHS Software? Here's what KPA customers said.

FTC Extends Deadline to Comply with Safeguards Rule

The Federal Trade Commission announced it is extending the deadline to comply with the Safeguards Rule requirements from December 9, 2022 to June 9, 2023. Here is what you need to know.

Safety Reporting: How to Cover All the Bases

What does your leadership team look for when it comes to safety reporting? Are you delivering what they need? Here’s how to cover your bases.

4 Ways To Improve Your Accident Investigation Process

Are you well-prepared to respond to a workplace accident quickly, safely, and efficiently? Here are 4 ways to improve your accident investigation process.

Embracing Mobile EHS: An Interview with KPA's Dale Golgart

On this episode of The Safety Meeting, KPA’s Dale Golgart discusses integrating mobile EHS technology for timely, efficient reporting in the field.

Keeping up with the Safeguards Rule and Looking Ahead to F&I Rules in 2023

We're close to the Safeguards Rule to be enacted, and there are probably procrastinators out there. What’s a procrastinator to do? We have some ideas.

50 Safety Songs - Here's What KPA Customers Added to the Safety Playlist

Keeping your workplace safe is serious business, but thankfully we have music to keep us in good spirits! Take a listen to KPA’s safety playlist.

Safety Committees: Best Practices to Keep Them Running Well

A safety committee brings audit and inspection findings into focus. Here's how to use them to improve your health & safety program.

If You Want to Improve Safety and Performance, Your Spreadsheets Have Got to Go

Spreadsheets don’t improve safety, reduce workplace accident rates, or keep you out of trouble with OSHA. Learn why EHS software is the smarter option.

Get Ready for the Cold with the Winter Safety Toolkit

Pumpkin spice is back on the menu. That’s a signal that it’s time to brush up on our cold weather standard operating procedures.

Forget Manual Processes: Construction Companies Need to Tap Into EHS Technology

November 1, 2022 - KPA Senior Vice President, Deren Boyd spoke in detail about how EHS software can help construction companies improve their protocol adherence, prevent incidents from happening and lead to a greater level of compliance.

4 Ways to Optimize Your Construction Safety Training for Gen Z

November 1, 2022 - KPA's Product Director of Training wrote an article for ISHN about how construction companies can tailor compliance training courses, covering the importance of creating personalized, multimodal, and snack-sized content.

It's Not too Late! Safeguards Rule Taking Effect December 9

October 28, 2022 - Robert Ebin spoke with Editor Dan Shane on the Daily Drive podcast about how dealers aren't too late to start working towards the December 9 deadline to comply with the Safeguards Rule. Ebin laid out a plan for dealers on how to get started and what to continue to expect from the regulatory world in the coming year.

KPA Announces Electric Vehicle Safety & Compliance Solution for Dealerships

October 28, 2022 - KPA unveiled its solution to keep service employees safe as they work with a rapidly growing number of electric vehicles in the market. KPA’s new EV Safety & Compliance solution, broken into three components, will help businesses navigate potential hazards and the relevant regulatory requirements.

Does EHS Software Affect Safety Program Performance? Here's What the Results Show

We asked respondents if they think the benefits gained from their EHS program exceed the cost. Here's what they had to say.

EV Hazards: Staying Safe with Proper PPE

When working with EVs, exposure to high-voltage batteries is a risky endeavor. That’s where personal protective equipment comes into play.

How Your Peers Rated Their Safety Program Engagement: Survey Results

We asked respondents to rate employee engagement in their safety program. Here's what they had to say.

How to Develop Your ESG Mission

Your ESG mission statement answers the question, “How do environmental, social, and governance concepts relate to our corporate mission?”

Mind the GAP

We're shifting gears from the proposed FTC Motor Vehicle Dealers Trade Regulation Rule to a couple of new bills that were recently signed into law in California. Assembly Bill 2311 and Senate Bill 1311 will take effect January 1, 2023 and will impact the way dealers sell GAP in California going forward.

Survey Finds Some Dealers Open to FTC's Proposal for Auto Sales Regulations

October 17, 2022 - A KPA F&I compliance expert weighed in on the results of a recent Cox Automotive Dealer Sentiment survey that asked about Federal Trade Commission's proposed rule targeting vehicle sales regulations.

FTC's Proposed Dealers Trade Rule Will Be A Game-Changer for All Dealers

October 14, 2022 - The Federal Trade Commission's proposed Motor Vehicle Dealers Trade Regulation Rule will have an enormous impact on all RV dealers, prohibiting any deception and requiring disclosures. A KPA expert spoke to RV News to more about the potential impact of this rule.

Three Things Dealers Need to Know About Energetic Failure

October 13, 2022 - KPA's Regulatory Project Manager, Micah O'Shaughnessy, CSP, CHMM, recently wrote an article for Wards Auto outlining three things that dealerships need to know to safely evaluate energetic failure in electric vehicles.

EHS State of the Industry Report: An Interview with KPA's Jade Brainard

On this episode of The Safety Meeting, KPA’s Jade Brainard joins us to discuss significant takeaways in the EHS State of the Industry Report.

Despite "False Fall" Don't Forget About OSHA's Heat Hazards NEP

October 12, 2022 - It might be "false fall" time in metro Atlanta, but that doesn't mean dealerships shouldn't still monitor temperatures and keep employees safe. Lori Matthews outlines what dealers need to know about OSHA's Heat Hazards NEP.

OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard: What it is and How to Protect Your Company

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

6 Tips for Working Safely with Compressed Air

Compressed air has many uses in the workplace.  But many don't realize that compressed air can cause serious injuries and even fatalities. 

EV Safety: Understanding Electricity

When your work involves electrical vehicles, it’s imperative to understand the mechanics of electricity to stay safe on the job. Here's a primer.

How Are Companies Incorporating Technology into their EHS Programs?

We asked respondents what types of technology they use to manage their EHS programs, from paper to EHS software. Here's what they had to say.

Preparing for Your EHS Program's Year-End Reporting

October 4, 2022 - KPA Product Director, Jade Brainard talks about the importance of EHS technology in developing a complete picture of year-end results, starting with comprehensive data and automated reporting.

5 Monsters Hiding in Your Safety Closet

Some real-life monsters can hide in a company’s closet, slowly sucking the life out of your safety culture. Keep your eye out for these menaces.

What Are Your Peers' Priorities for EHS Reporting? Read the Survey Results

We asked respondents what their priorities are for EHS reporting and analytics. In other words, how are they meeting the demand for a safe work environment?

OSHA’s Standards for Electrical Systems: What You Need to Know

OSHA requires employers to keep employees safe near electrical hazards. This includes the safe examination, installation, & use of electrical equipment.

How to Report and Investigate Harassment Claims

We have some guidance about how to develop prompt, fair, and lawful harassment reporting, investigation, and corrective action procedures.

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.