Workplace Safety

Now that I have learned the necessary skills required to successfully begin my career, it is also important to learn about employer’s work rights and workplace safety.

Many would have thought that elders would be most likely to be injured at work. However, surprisingly, it is actually young people between 15 and 24 years that are particularly vulnerable to work-related injuries. They are young, eager, and are very confident, but many lack work experience and cannot differentiate what is safe and what is not.

Because young people are very confident, they often think that they are invincible. Some are even convinced that nothing bad could ever happen to them. On the other hand, many young people actually lack confidence and do not have the bravery to ask for help. Furthermore, it is proven that young workers are most likely to get injured in their first six months of work and young men are more likely to get injured than all other groups.

Reasons for INjury

• Receive little or no safety training or supervision pressured to get things done
• Are reluctant to ask questions for fear of appearing stupid
• Are assigned physically demanding or dangerous tasks

Reasons for injury:

• Are assigned physically demanding or dangerous tasks
• Are unaware of their rights and responsibilities

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• Have to use equipment or machinery designed for adults
• Are distracted by other things going on in their lives

Reasons for Injury:

• Are tired from juggling school, homework, a job, family life, and social life
• Feel rushed and pressured to get things done

B.C. has more than 250,000 young workers ranging in age from 15 to 24. Many are high school, college, or university students who hold part-time jobs while attending school and who take on full-time jobs during summer. Others work full-time, usually in entry-level jobs, and are just beginning their climb up the work ladder. They work in many areas, from fast food and retail clothing sales to construction and tree planting. These young people have one thing in common: they are at high risk of being injured on the job. Their injuries range from minor to serious, result in short-term or long-term disabilities, and sometimes in death. Like all workers, they have a right to a safe and healthy workplace

BC has more than 250,000 workers between the ages of 15-24 and most of them are doing a part time job while studying in school. Others have a full time job and are beginning their careers. It is these people who are over confident and get injured easily. Injuries could lead to disabilities and even death. Therefore, it is important for everyone to be educated of workplace safety before going working. No pay check is worth getting hurt for!