Program Overview

Young Workers Program

The Young Workers Program is designed to address the unique challenges faced by young workers in the workplace. Young workers are up to 3 times more likely to be injured during their first month on the job, with over 1.5 million young people aged 15 to 24 working across Ontario, and more than 6,000 being injured seriously enough to need time off work each year.

Young Workers: Staying Safe at Work

To mitigate the risks associated with young workers, it is essential to provide adequate training and foster a positive safety culture in the workplace. The following guidelines are recommended for young workers:

• Attend the mandatory "Young Worker Health & Safety Awareness training" offered by EHS
• Be aware of your worker rights (Right to Know, Right to Refuse, Right to Participate)
• Ask questions and get involved in the discussion about workplace safety
• Wait until you have received training before using new equipment or completing new tasks (never assume)
• Wear all appropriate Personal Protective Equipment
• Report all hazards to your supervisor, even if it involves another worker
• Follow all safety rules; if you don't know why a rule exists, ask
• Be honest; if you are uncomfortable, stop and ask for help
• If you're hurt, tell someone; even a small injury can become a big problem if ignored

Supervisors: Keeping Your Young Workers Safe

Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), supervisors are responsible for ensuring that workers perform their jobs safely using appropriate equipment and protective devices required, and for training and informing workers of actual and potential workplace hazards. Additional ways to keep young workers safe include:

• Ensuring they have completed the mandatory "Young Worker Health & Safety Awareness training" offered by EHS
• Discussing safety and encouraging questions and ideas
• Having experienced workers coach young workers if possible
• Involving them in workplace safety inspections if reasonable to do so
• Leading by example