"Seasonal Employment"
Should be seen as a Means to an End, Not to end a Young Life
Obtaining a summer job is a great way for young people to get $$ for college and also to start their young careers. However, if their focus is only on learning new job skills and making a good impression, safety may be overlooked.
In 2008, 42 young Canadians aged 15-25 did not return home after a day at work. They died as a result of a workplace hazard and or accident. Each one of those 42 represent a brother, sister, cousin, neighbour etc. The impact that can be felt by only one death to a young worker is far reaching.
As exciting as it is for young people to enter the workforce, they are entering a foreign territory, new people, , new rules, new facilities and environments, and hazards they have never seen before (machinery, chemicals, vehicles). The employee/boss relationship is new and can be very intimidating. Young people need to be guided and carefully mentored, and they need to feel that they can ask questions about issues relating to health & safety.
Parents have responsibility to talk to their children about workplace hazards, just as they have taught them to safely cross the street. Encourage them to think about potential hazards in the workplace, such as unguarded machinery, chemical products, tools,, working alone, working at heights, and any other hazard applicable to their job. It is also important to ensure that they understand that they have rights and responsibilities within the Occupational Health Safety Act. They should feel comfortable with going to the company's health & safety rep if they have any questions.
All workers, employers need to act responsible when it comes to working with young people. Remember, we were once young and impressionable. So take care of each other.
Written By: Manley Lavender Lavender Consulting lavender@rogers.com www.lavenderconsulting.ca