This episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast discusses the health and safety resources available to young workers and their parents and features Pam Patry, northern region manager at WSPS.

Pam highlights that young workers don’t know what they don’t know, so if they’re not trained or taught about hazards in their workplace, they won’t know what to look out for or how to recognize a hazard. Young workers often receive generic training such as WHMIS but may not be educated on specific hazards they could face in their roles.

There’s a pressing need for site-specific training so that young workers can be better equipped to handle hazards. Workplace training should clearly explain what the job involves, the hazards that may be present, and how to manage or remove them. Training should also be easy to understand to help young workers quickly grasp the essential information they need.

Pam emphasizes that young workers should be reminded of their three rights—right to know about hazards, right to participate in safety procedures, and right to refuse unsafe work. Parents should support their children in asserting those rights and be proactive in understanding their child's work environment, including what their tasks are and how much safety training they’ve received. Their tasks may appear simple, but they could pose risks if not done correctly.

 Free resources

Health and safety basics for new and young workers

New and Young Workers

Rights of workers in Ontario

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