Young workers … energetic, eager and at increased risk of workplace injuries
Young workers are a unique group of employees who get injured frequently at work. This recognized statistic is the reason why the Ontario Ministry of Labour conducts its May to August New and Young Worker Safety Blitz.
WHY are young workers at increased risk of getting hurt at work?
Unlike older individuals who have been previously employed, younger workers often have minimal knowledge of workplace expectations and routines. Young people want to successfully complete assigned tasks but may be hesitant to ask for instruction. This combination of lack of experience and unwillingness to ask questions is dangerous.
HOW can employers keep young workers safe?
In depth orientation & training and competent supervision is the best way to keep young workers safe at a new job. It takes time and resources to properly train new employees. Repetition and extra supervision may be necessary until an inexperienced worker demonstrates good understanding of the safety requirements of a job. Employers should use training strategies that accommodate a young adult’s learning style and limited employment experience.
Tips to keep new and young workers safe at work include:
- Provide an orientation with detailed information about the workplace routines, hazards and job requirements.
- Be sure all workplace safety measures required by law are in place and the young worker is fully trained. (Material handling, ergonomics, machine guarding, lifting, PPE, working from heights, workplace violence and harassment, etc.)
- Properly supervise the young worker. Establishing a mentoring or buddy system with an experienced employee can be helpful.
- Remind the worker to work safely and report anything unsafe.
- Encourage the worker to ask questions.
- Comply with minimum workplace age requirements (14 for industrial settings, 15 for factories, 16 for logging operations)
- Ensure the Workplace Health & Safety Committee considers new worker issues.
This is the time of year that many young people start new jobs. Employers need to protect younger workers, as they would their own adult children, by providing adequate information and support. The result will be a well-trained, productive employee and a safer workplace for all.
Resources
New and young workers in your workplace, Ontario Ministry of Labour
Protect New and Young Workers, podcast by CCOHS with Steve Horvath
