Did you know that workers who are new and with less than six months experience are three times more likely to be injured than those with one year or more of experience?^[1]

Workers under the age of 25 are 33% more likely to be injured on the job than older workers. ^[2]

These statistics speak volumes about the need for more awareness and education about the risk of injury to this demographic group of the workforce. Employers with a young workforce need to work to ensure that safety is part of the work orientation and that workers are educated on what to do when things go wrong. Young workers require knowledge on how to identify hazards, and to realize that bad things can happen to them if they do not follow rules and procedures.

So.. how do you spot hazards? Well, first workers need to be educated as to what to look for, and that involves asking themselves a number of questions about the job. Such as: Is this job safe to do as is? What could go wrong? Are there any housekeeping issues that need to be addressed? Are there toxic chemicals that I need to handle and if so, am I using the correct personal protective equipment (PPE)? Is there an engineering control I can use to remove the potential hazard from my work and breathing zones? Asking these types of questions, together with an assessment of the work environment, can help to keep workers safe, regardless of age.

Workplace hazards are generally grouped into five broad categories:

1. Physical Hazards
2. Biological Hazards
3. Chemical Hazards
4. Ergonomic Hazards
5. Phycosocial Hazards

All right, so now we know what to look for at the worksite. But what about when we first get hired on.. what are some of the questions, young workers should be asking their employers?

1. What are the hazards of my job?
2. Are there any other hazards that I should know about?
3. Will I receive job training?
4. Do you have health and safety meetings?
5. Is there safety equipment I’ll be expected to wear? Will I receive training in how to use it? When?
6. Will I be trained in emergency procedures(fire, chemical spill?) When?
7. Where are fire extinguishers, first aid kits and other emergency equipment located?
8. What do I do if I get hurt! Who is the first aid person?
9. What are my health and safety responsibilities?
10. Who do I ask if I have health or safety questions?

Wow... now we are cooking!! Ok, what about when an unsafe situation arises? How does a worker say “No”.

I know what you are thinking... tell my boss that I do not want to do a task because it is unsafe, and he or she will fire me!! Wrong!! That is against the law! If you feel it is unsafe to do a task and your boss tries to push you, or if you are threatened with possible termination for not completing the task, you can contact the Alberta Workplace Health and Safety Contact Centre at 1-866-415-8690 and speak to a officer. It is free and confidential. ^[3]

Ok so how do I handle my health and safety concerns? Well here is one way to do it:

1. You may want to first ask the advice of a trusted co-worker. Then, try to work things out with your direct supervisor.
2. Only speak with their boss if your supervisor doesn’t deal with your concerns. Don’t go over any heads first.
3. When you approach your supervisor, make sure your attitude is respectful and positive - it will show up in your voice when you are talking to them.

Remember.. it is your right to be safe at work. Don’t let any person or company compromise your health and safety well being.

till the next time... be safe.