With the school year now over, many young Islanders will enter the workforce for the first time this summer.  The Workers Compensation Board (WCB) of Prince Edward Island would like to remind the public that everyone has a role in teaching young workers how to be safe on the job.

Young workers, age 15-24, are at greater risk of workplace injury than any other group of workers. On Prince Edward Island last year, this risk translated into 174 workplace injuries involving young workers, all of which could have been prevented.

“A first job is a critical milestone for a young worker, a time when safe work habits can be developed that will carry on throughout a lifetime,” said Bill Reid, WCB Director of Occupational Health and Safety. “Workplace injuries can be prevented with proper training, hazard awareness, and knowledge of workplace safety rights and responsibilities, all of which can be learned at the onset of a young person’s work life.”

The WCB has the following advice to promote workplace safety among new and young workers:

• Employers, you are responsible for the safety of your workers, regardless of age or experience. The WCB  has resources to assist you to support, train and supervise your young workers to do their jobs safely.
• Young workers, own your safety at work. Speak up if you have questions, know your rights and make a safe place for everyone around you. At the WCB, we call this Work Out Loud.
• Co-workers, be patient with your new colleagues as they learn safe work practices and procedures. Be a role model on how to work safely. 
• Parents, make workplace safety a part of the conversation when talking to your kids about their new job.  By simply asking young workers what they are doing to stay safe, you are raising their awareness.

For more information about young worker safety and Work Out Loud, visit the WCB website, www.wcb.pe.ca, or contact WCB Youth Education Consultant, Clare Waddell at 902-368-6357 or 1-800-237-5049.  

For a printable version of this release, click here.