“That will never happen to me!”

Young workers (age 15 to 24 years) are more likely to have an injury on the worksite than any other age group according to statistics from Human Resources Development Canada. Did you know that one out of every three young workers will experience a workplace injury?

Why are young people so susceptible to workplace injury?

- Lack of training
- Shy
- Feel invincible
- Inexperienced
- Afraid to ask questions
- Need a job

What do you need to know?
All workers have three rights under the Occupational Health and Safety Act:

1. Right to participate — participating in your own health and safety by being a health and safety representative in the workplace or on a Joint Health and Safety Committee.

2. Right to know — you have the right to know what the hazards are in your workplace and how to protect yourself.

3. Right to refuse — you have the right to refuse unsafe work.

Your employer must train you to do the job. If they refuse, talk to the Health and Safety rep or the Joint Health Safety Committee member. If that is not available to you, contact the Ministry of Labour (1-800-463-2493) and report the problem.

What can you do to stay safe?
- Ask questions until you understand exactly what it is you are expected to do.

- Ask for training

Remember! Safety is the cost of doing business. If the employer is not going to train you, you don't want to work for them anyway! No job is worth an arm, leg, eye, or your life!

For more information, visit: www.youngworker.ca, www.worksmartontario. ca, www.prevent-it.ca, drop by Fanshawe's Health and Safety Services office in D1021, or call 519-452-4424.