Young workers have the right to a safe job

Did you know that young workers between the ages of 15 to 24 are more likely to be injured on the worksite than any other age group?

Statistics from the Ontario Ministry of Labour (http://bit.ly/fR9U7C) indicate that approximately 40,000 of you will suffer some type of injury … and on average, six will die each year!

All workers, young and old, have the right to a job that is safe ... and have a responsibility to keep the workplace safe.

Here are the three rights all workers have under the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act:

1. Right to Participate — you have the right to participate in your own health and safety by being a health and safety representative in the workplace or by being 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. Along with rights come responsibilities. Ontario workers also have the following safety responsibilities:

1. Work safely according to the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations.

2. Use or wear safety equipment provided and required by your employer/boss.

3. Report any problems or defects in the safety equipment provided that may endanger you or your co-workers to your employer/boss.

4. Report any hazards that you know about or any contraventions of the Act or Regulations to your employer/boss.

5. Not defeat or remove safety devices or guarding required by the Act or Regulations or your employer/boss.

6. Not endanger yourself or coworkers by your own unsafe actions or unsafe operation of equipment.

How can you stay safe on the job?

- Don't be shy ... ask questions until you understand exactly what it is you are expected to do and how to do it safely.

- Ask for training and orientation to the hazards at your workplace.

- Finally ... don't think that "it can't happen to you," that's what everyone who is hurt or killed thought.

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

For more information, check out: www.worksmartontario.gov.on.ca, www.prevent-it.ca, the Fanshawe College Health and Safety Services office in D1021, or call 519-452-4424.