SAY IT! - Why Young People Get Hurt At Work

Each year on Prince Edward Island many young people sustain injuries at work. In some cases these injuries are severe enough to keep them off the job; in some cases, severe enough to change their lives forever! When a young person is seriously injured at work, the circle of grief includes not only the person who has experienced a life altering injury, but parents, friends, teachers, co-workers, and employers.

In Canada, we define a young worker as an employee who is between the ages of 15 and 24. You should know that young workers get injured more frequently and sustain more serious injuries than older more experienced workers. The reality is that many young workers are not aware of the potentially life-threatening hazards that exist in all workplaces.

Young workers get injured more frequently and sustain more serious injuries than older, more experienced workers, because young workers:

• May be less experienced
• Trust that the workplace is safe
• May be less likely to ask questions
• Unknowlingly engage in unsafe work practices or use unsafe equipment
• Can work in stressful conditions
• Might be forced to speed up the pace at work
• May not be provided with adequate safety training and supervision by the employer
• May work in "entry-level" positions and these can be the dirtiest and hardest jobs
• May be doing tasks that they are not allowed to do by law
• May not know or understand their rights as a worker

When young workers are unaware of the hazards associated with the tasks they are assigned to do they often take on tasks that put them at risk of injury. They are often reluctant to ask questions about workplace procedures simply because they want to appear competent and confident. In fact, many young workers are often so intent on impressing a new employer that they do not ask the questions that need to be asked. They often claim to understand safety instructions they are given when they really don't.

Speak up. Ask questions. It is your right. If you feel uncomfortable or uncertain about anything in the workplace, speak up. The following are some questions you should ask to help yourself and your co-workers stay safe:

1. When will I be trained to do the job safely?
2. What are the hazards or risks I should be aware of in this job?
3. What health and safety procedures do I need to follow?
4. What safety gear do I need to wear?
5. Who do I talk to if I have a health or safety question?
6. If I get hurt, who do I tell?
7. What do I do in the case of a fire or other emergency?

It is important to understand that pretending to know more than you do can have deadly consequences. That's why we, at the Workers Compensation Board of Prince Edward Island say, "WORK OUT LOUD. Own your safety!" We want you to know that you have the power to help protect your health and safety at work. There is only one of you and you have the legal right to a safe and healthy workplace today and throughout your working life. Speaking up in your workplace is one way to work out loud. When it comes to workplace safety, SAY IT!