Young and New Workers and Their Rights in Canada
With the summer fast approaching, students from both High School and University will be looking to start their first part-time/season job, or take the first step in their careers with a full-time position. One of the most important things for both young workers and employers to promote in their safety program is the training and education of their staff, especially those new to the workforce.
Young workers, those under 25 years old, and new workers, those who are on a job for less than 6 months (regardless of experience), are three times more likely to be injured during their first month on the job than more experienced workers3. These workers can include part-time, season, volunteer, students, interns, and apprentices.
Some of the reasons for these higher injury rates can include:
Inexperience and lack of training
Lack of supervision
Lack of understanding of their rights
Asked to do more dangerous or strenuous jobs
Unwillingness to ask questions
To prevent workplace incidents with young and new workers, the most effective method is to ensure orientation and training is provided. All employers are responsible for the safety of their staff and ensuring that workers are prepared for the jobs before starting. Training and orientation that is specific to the workplace should be a continuous process, with both new and existing staff trained, especially when there is a change to the process or job.
If you or someone you know is starting a new job, everyone needs to understand what to expect from their employer and what is required.
In Canada, all workers have three rights that give workers the ability to protect their health and safety.
The Right to Know: workers have the right to know about workplace health and safety hazards.
The Right to Participate: workers have the right to make recommendations about health and safety and participate in workplace health and safety programs/initiatives.
The Right to Review: workers have the right to refuse work if they believe it endangers their or others health and safety.
The Canadian Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) also provide specific requirements for employers, supervisors, and workers. A summary of employer’s duties are below.
Employers are required to:
Take every reasonable precaution in the circumstances for the protection of workers
Ensure equipment, materials, and protective devices that are provided are maintained in good condition (includes personal protective equipment)
Provide workers with information, instruction and supervision
Post a copy of the OHSA in the workplace
Supervisors are required to:
Ensure any equipment, protective device or clothing required by the employer is used or worn by workers
Advise workers of any potential or actual health or safety dangers known by the supervisor
Where prescribed, provide workers with written instructions about measures and procedures to be taken for the workers’ protection
Take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances for the protection of workers
Workers are required to:
Use or wear equipment, protective devices or clothing required by the employer
Report tot eh employer or supervisor the absence or defect in any equipment or any protective device of which the worker is aware
Report any known workplace hazards or OHSA violations to the supervisor or employer
As parents and colleagues, we can act as both mentors to young and new workers but also help guide and stimulate their thoughts on workplace safety.
Some great tips for getting people thinking about safety on their job include:
Ask questions: especially if you are unsure or hesitant about a job, ask questions or have supervisors/experienced workers give you more instructions and training
Be supervised: make sure a supervisor is there to see you do the job right and, if they are not present, who you can ask
Wear it: wear all personal protective equipment required for the work, and encourage others to do the same, even if they are more experienced
Identify the risks: think about the hazards in the job, report unsafe conditions, and understand what measures are in place to protect you and others
Report injuries: if you are hurt, regardless of severity, report it to your supervisor/employer and family.
Be honest: if the task is too much for you, say so. Let your supervisor know before you attempt to do something that you can’t handle
Don’t assume: never assume you can do something without instruction, guidance or supervision
As employers, workers, and colleagues, it is our responsibility to ensure a safe workplace for everyone. Even more so, safety professionals play a key role in the health and safety of frontline workers and young and new workers. If you can, act as a mentor to young and new workers, giving them someone to gain experience from but also someone they can ask questions to. This gives them a more personal introduction to the work and their tasks.
Workplaces should use engaging training approaches, encourage workers to ask questions, get involved in making health and safety decisions, and foster a culture of positive health and safety. Something as simple as identifying young and new workers can encourage the experienced workers to assist them when needed can set your company up for success and a healthy and safe workplace.
References
1. https://www.worksafebc.com/en/health-safety/education-training-certification/young-new-worker
2. https://www.ccohs.ca/topics/workers/youngnew/
3. https://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/hs/sawo/pubs/fs_youngworkers.php
4. https://www.ihsa.ca/pdfs/safety_talks/workers_rights.pdf
5. Occupational Health and Safety Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. O.1
6. https://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/atwork/yw_tips_youngworkers.php
7. https://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/atwork/yw_tips_parents.php