Employer Resources
Young Workers in the Workplace
For many young workers it could be their first job or a completely different job than they had before. Being keen and excited to work, they are often quick to act, willing to take on new projects, and want to proof that they can handle their new job. Unfortunately, that eagerness can get in the way of being safe and taking the time to identify unsafe situations. Being new to the workforce, they may not feel comfortable asking questions or raise their concerns about safety.
CAREERS’ Safe Under 18 initiative facilitates youth and employer safety awareness but is not meant to be a full safety program. The following information is meant to be high-level information in addition to an employer’s safety program.
Benefits of Hiring an Intern
Congratulations! In embracing the opportunity to take on an intern, you are not only demonstrating your commitment to fostering talent but also positioning yourself as a leader in your community. By welcoming interns into your organization, you will:
Cultivate Talent: You have the chance to nurture the next generation of professionals, providing them with invaluable real-world experience and skills that will benefit them in their future careers.
Gain Fresh Perspectives: Interns often bring new ideas and innovative approaches to your workplace, injecting energy and creativity into your projects and processes.
Develop Leadership Skills: Mentoring interns allows you to hone your leadership abilities as you guide and support them through their learning journey, fostering a culture of mentorship within your organization.
Access to Future Talent: By showcasing your industry to motivated high school interns, you are laying the groundwork for potential future employees. This proactive approach ensures a pipeline of qualified candidates as your current workforce ages and retires.
Community Engagement: Engaging with interns not only benefits your organization but also contributes positively to your community by investing in its youth and fostering local talent development.
Cost-Effective Solution: With CAREERS handling the recruitment process and providing interns free of charge, you have the opportunity to access talent without incurring additional expenses. Plus, with funding options available, there’s minimal financial risk involved.
In taking on an intern, you’re not just offering an opportunity for professional growth; you’re actively shaping the future of your industry and contributing to the development of your community. So, seize this chance to make a meaningful impact while securing the success of your organization for years to come.
Additional Resources
- Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety - Young Workers
- Alberta Workers Compensation Board - HeadsUp: Young Worker Safety
- WorkSafe BC - Tools for Training Young and New Workers
- Government of Alberta - Employer’s Guide
- Outline of Basic Safety Training in School
- Work Safe Alberta – Employing Young Workers
- Government of Alberta - Young Worker Safety
Setting a Safety Culture
Unsure if they can speak up, an employer may not know until it’s too late. It is therefore up to the employer to make sure youth feel comfortable bringing up their concerns, take the time to assess what they are doing, and ask questions. To build safety awareness and confidence with young workers, and employer can take these basic steps:
- Inform and train them about potential hazards and show them how to stay safe.
- Show them what safety equipment and gear is required and how it works. Make sure PPE fits properly.
- Inform and train them on safety rules and safe work procedures. Safety should be part of all orientation sessions.
- Initiate and actively foster safety conversations and make them a daily routine.
- Ensure you meet all Alberta’s Labor Standards: ensuring training, preventing violence, WHMIS, safely working alone – they’re all the law.
Supervisors
Supervisors play a crucial role in making sure youth understand the importance of safe behaviour in the workplace. The following is taken from Work Safe for Life, WCB of Nova Scotia
Creating a safe workplace takes more than a handout at your staff meeting. Employers need to work with their supervisors to show and practice ongoing commitment.
- Train, train, train.
Invest the time up front on job-specific safety training. Your workers should know what can hurt them, and how to avoid it. Of course, they also need to know emergency procedures. - Talk about your policy and your program in plain language.
Say things like “If you see something dangerous, tell me about it.” or “Any time you feel unsafe, make sure you tell me, no matter what. Your safety comes first.” - Make safety a part of service.
Young workers often feel the need to impress, and with work and time pressures they’ll sometimes take short cuts, like chopping food too quickly, moving too many grocery carts or climbing shelving instead of using a ladder. Good service includes time for safety. Doing otherwise means injuries for workers and costs for employers. - WHMIS
Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System training is mandatory for jobs involving chemicals and other hazardous materials. - Have a buddy system.
Pair young workers with experienced workers. This can help them feel comfortable asking questions. - Make safety a priority yourself.
To a generation raised on TV and music videos, what they see matters as much as what they hear. So set the example, wear your hardhat, buckle up in the company truck, talk about safety at every meeting. Little things matter.
Remember, keeping your people safe at work is your job. So start the conversation about workplace safety.
