News

Hiring new and young workers

Its spring! And many of you are thinking about hiring summer workers.  This can be a positive experience for everyone.  As an employer, you can offer your seasonal workers a great work experience while also protecting them from injury on the job.

Often younger workers get hurt when:

  • they take on jobs for which they’re not trained
  • they don’t have appropriate supervision
  • they work with dangerous equipment

 

Did You Know:

  • Young and new workers are an asset to your workplace – with fresh eyes, new ideas and good questions to ask.
  • New workers have 5 to 7 times the risk of injury in the first 4 weeks of a new job. And that most injuries happen in the absence of a supervisor.
  • That new workers tend not to ask questions because they are eager to do a good job, want to make a good impression and are afraid of losing their job.
  • A working alone plan must be in place for all workers, regardless of age, for any times they may be working alone.

 

Here’s What You Need To Do:

Apply for an employment permit if your worker is under the age of 16. An application form can be found online or by contacting the Employment Standards Branch of Manitoba Labour and Immigration.

Spend more time explaining the job to your young and new workers (i.e. task specific, process, procedures etc.).

Use the “tell me, show me, practice” method of teaching – always have new workers demonstrate that they can do the work safely.

Keep in mind that supervisors must be “competent” and that new and young workers need a different kind of supervision. Supervisors need to spend more time in the first few weeks making sure new staff understand why a task is performed in a certain way. Be clear about the expectations – people are more likely to follow the rules if they know what they are! Supervisors must always observe new workers performing a task before leaving them to perform the work alone.

Employers should ensure that supervisors follow-up often with new staff.

Supervisors need to be available and open to answering questions and providing advice - remember, many young and new workers will not ask questions unless encouraged to do so.

Explain the importance of prompt reporting of unsafe conditions and concerns. Ensure new workers know it is a priority for you and tell them how and to whom to report a hazard or concern. It is important to act on those concerns or workers quickly learn that the company isn’t really interested in creating a safe and healthy environment.

And remember, your example is key in influencing others.