4 ways to support new and young workers

You've already provided orientation and hazard-specific training for the new and young workers you've hired for the busy summer months. They've signed off on the training and are good to go. You may think you've done your part, however that isn't necessarily the case.

While they make up only 13% of the workforce, young workers account for 16% of WSIB lost time injury claims and are three times more likely to experience an injury during their first month on the job.

How can you best support new and young workers through this vulnerable time and beyond? Here are four ways to support new and young workers.

1. Pair each new employee with an experienced one. Whether you call the person assisting your young worker a mentor, a buddy, or a coach, choose someone who is competent, has a track record of following safety rules, has good people skills, and is patient. Young workers may be shy and uncertain, forget what they've learned, and work more slowly. 
2. Make sure all employees follow the safety rules you have in place. It's easy, and common, for employees to cut corners on the job. However, these employees have an impact on the safety culture and are more likely to have an influence on new and young workers.
3. Regularly check in with your young workers. See if they are all right and remind them that it's okay to ask questions if they're not sure about something.
4. Stagger new tasks, allowing workers to demonstrate competence before learning something else. For example, if they work in a kitchen, start with food prep and teach the new worker how to use a knife. Then go on to cooking, using deep fryers, stoves, and grills. Master one task, then move on to the next.

How WSPS can help

Our expert consultants can provide onsite training as you prepare to welcome young workers in your workplace. Connect with a consultant.

Training

• Managing Hazards & Risks (3.5 hours, Online Instructor-Led eLearning)

• Health and Safety Awareness for Ontario Workers (1 hour, eCourse)

• Orientation on Health and Safety for New Workers (1.5 hour, eCourse)

• Supervisor Responsibilities and Due Diligence (4 hours, Online Instructor-Led eLearning)

Videos

• Quick Safety Tips: Who are new and young workers?

• Quick Safety Tips: When should new and young workers receive training?

Articles and Downloads

• 4 tips to protect young workers — and your business (article)

• 15 tips for getting safety messages across to young workers this summer

• Protecting new and young workers: this orientation tool sets the bar

• Vulnerable Workers Health and Safety Awareness (article)

• New and Young Workers Poster

• Show new & young workers that safety is part of your organization's DNA (CEO Health+Safety Leadership Network blog)

First Job, Safe Job: Helping parents keep kids safe at work

First Job, Safe Job is a blog created by WSPS for parents and caregivers to access practical safety information and resources they can share with teens and young adults they care about. It provides parents with creative ways to pass on important messages and tips to their kids in conversations that matter.

Reference

* "New and Young Workers," Ministry of Labour