| Topic: Younger Worker Safety | |
| Date Issued: December 1, 2014 | Date Revised: |
[This talk is for experienced employees who will work alongside younger workers. Schedule this talk ideally one week to four weeks before summer students, interns or other younger workers arrive in the workplace.]
Each summer, new faces join our workplaces — students, interns, and other young workers.
In New Brunswick, “younger workers” are defined as those under 30. On average, 1,500 are hurt at work each year, making up more than 20% of all injury claims in the province.
But not all younger workers face the same risk. According to the Institute for Work & Health, those aged 15–24 are three to four times more likely to be hurt on the job within their first six months than the average Canadian worker.
We want everyone to practise safety. But we want to especially look out for younger workers. We want them to have a good start, learning lessons that will help keep them safe for life.
As experienced employees, we can each do our part to help younger workers. In fact, we are legally obligated to do so. Under New Brunswick’s Occupational Health and Safety Act, we are each responsible for our own safety as well as the safety of others.
Younger workers need extra training and supervision, and only as a team can we ensure they get the knowledge and support they need.
So how can you help younger workers stay safe?
[Instructor: Encourage responses from participants.]
[Common answers]
[Response:] We want to ensure younger workers are working as safely as possible. Always speak up if you see a younger worker, or any worker, performing a task unsafely. Don’t wait to tell a manager. Remind the worker how to work safely. Let younger workers know you’re available if they have any questions.
Friendly reminders let all workers know safety comes first.
[Response:] Younger workers may not remember how to properly fit glasses or choose the right respirator for the job. [Use examples specific to your workplace]. Show younger workers how PPE works. Talk about why it’s important. Ask if they understand, and if they have any other questions.
What happens if PPE doesn’t fit properly? If you have real-life examples of workers hurt from improper PPE or lack of PPE, share the story and explain the consequences.
[Response:] Extra supervision will help ensure younger workers perform tasks safely and properly. As employees with more experience, younger workers look to you for advice and direction. Don’t let them down. If they ask a question, answer it. If you don’t have the answer, find someone who does. Take each question seriously.
Younger workers want your feedback. Let them know if there is a better, safer way to perform a task. Offer opportunity for questions and comments, and provide positive feedback when younger workers demonstrate safe practices.
[Response:] Younger workers learn by watching others. You set the example. Show younger workers how you work safely. Never take shortcuts. Point out hazards when you see them, and take actions to correct them. Speak up when you see unsafe behaviour and get involved in health and safety programs.
When modelling safe behaviour, explain why it’s important to you and others in the workplace. Explain how everyone works together to keep all workers safe.
[Response:] By showing we take safety seriously, younger workers are more likely to take it seriously too. Keep our workplace clean and safe. Ensure tools and equipment are properly maintained and stored. Replace worn, unsafe parts when necessary. [Use examples specific to your workplace.]
As experienced employees, we may not notice the everyday tasks we do to keep ourselves and others safe. Give more thought to these daily routines and practices and talk about it with younger workers.
How else can you help?
Talk about health and safety every day. Talk about our joint health and safety committee, what it does and how younger workers can get involved. Talk about news stories or personal experiences related to safety. Use everyday workplace situations as opportunities to discuss hazards and risks.
Remember, we were all younger workers at one time. Remember how overwhelming it may have seemed. In such situations, health and safety may be compromised. Talking about safety helps keep us all safe. It makes safety part of who we are and what we do.
Thanks for participating today. Do you have any questions?
* Institute for Work and Health (Ontario)
References:
What’s a Safety Talk? Guidelines for Use
Let’s Talk Safety: Toolkit for Employers of Young Workers
WorkSafeNB Guide to OHS Legislation, New Employee Orientation