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Young workers are everyone's responsibility

Young workers experience workplace injuries more frequently than others.

That’s why it is so important for them to learn about the safety and health systems at their workplace and understand why they are in place.  Young workers also need to know about their rights and responsibilities for their own safety and the safety of others at work.

Providing young workers with the knowledge and skills to stay safe on the job will promote their understanding that workplace injuries are preventable and help protect their future.

Important tips for young workers:

  • Ask your supervisor to show you how to perform tasks safely before you begin work.
  • Use all safety devices, safety gear and protective clothing when and where required.
  • Always follow safe work procedures and encourage your co-workers to do the same.
  • Report unsafe conditions to your supervisor right away, and talk to your supervisor if you have any doubts about your safety and health at work.
  • Tell your supervisor of any limitations you have that may make you unable to perform a task safely.

 

Tips for parents:

  • Ask your teen if safety orientation and information on workplace rules was provided.
  • Ask if your teen’s supervisor provides information and training on working safely and offers job performance feedback.
  • Explain to your teen that all workers have three basic rights in the workplace:
  1. the right to know about hazards
  2. the right to participate in safety and health activities
  3. the right to refuse dangerous work
  • Explain that workers also have a responsibility to follow workplace rules, work safely, and use or wear protective devices and safety gear.
  • Encourage your teen to talk to his/her supervisor about safety on the job. Workers should not be afraid to ask questions.

 

Responsibilities for employers:

  • Spend ample time explaining the job, providing training and supervising young workers.
  • Identify all hazards and provide specific training on how to perform each task safely before asking young workers to do a job.
  • Before allowing work to begin, make sure young workers demonstrate what they’ve learned and correct any unsafe practices immediately.
  • Explain company safety rules and emergency procedures and be sure everyone follows them.
  • Encourage young workers to report unsafe conditions to you right away and to ask you for help or advice if they are unsure about a task.  Make sure you are available.

Restrictions for young workers:

Along with every worker’s right to work in a safe and healthy workplace in Manitoba, there are specific employment rules for young workers:

  • Workers under age 16 are prohibited from working in the construction sector.
  • Workers under age 18 are prohibited from working in the forestry and mining sectors.
  • Workers under age 16 must have a Child Employment Permit (issued by the Employment Standards Branch). Download an application form here or call 204-945-3352. 
  • Workers under age 16 cannot be employed for more than 20 hours during a week of school.
  • Workers under age 16 cannot work between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
  • Workers under age 18 cannot work alone between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.

 

For more information on workplace safety and health call the Workplace Safety and Health Division client services desk at 945-6848 in Winnipeg; or call toll free 1-800-282-8069 in Manitoba.