Which class of employees is generally considered to have the highest accident potential?

New employees are generally considered to have the highest accident potential due to several factors associated with their inexperience in the workplace. They may still be familiarizing themselves with safety protocols, operational procedures, and the equipment they are expected to use daily. This lack of familiarity can lead to a misunderstanding of the hazards present in the work environment, increasing the chances of accidents and incidents.

Furthermore, new employees may not have fully developed their situational awareness or risk assessment skills, making them more susceptible to engaging in unsafe behaviors or making poor decisions. They might also be less likely to recognize the importance of following established safety practices until they have been socialized into the workplace culture and fully understand the expectations.

In contrast, experienced employees typically have a better grasp of safety practices and workplace hazards due to their familiarity and training, which usually translates to a lower accident potential. Seasonal and part-time employees may also have less experience than full-time staff; however, new employees, regardless of the specific timeframe of their employment, are generally the least acclimatized to their roles, making them more vulnerable to incidents.