Every year, more than 30,000 young workers are at risk at being of injured or unsafe in the workplace, and that number is 30,000 too many. This can be due to inexperience and/or lack of training/information these workers have. However, there is something YOU could do about it.
The Public Services Health & Safety Association brings you the Occupational Health and Safety for Young Workers #StudentChallenge!
Do you have innovative solutions to reduce the number of injuries and illness in the workplace? Well, this is your chance to make a difference! The #StudentChallenge allows students to have the opportunity to come up with creative ideas in order to increase workplaces safety. Students currently enrolled in Occupational Health and Safety, Psychology, Human Kinetics, Kinesiology, Health Studies, Public Health, Environmental Health or Health Care Services are encouraged to apply. This is a great way to attract industry professionals that are looking to find individuals with the drive and passion to make a difference. We know you’re eager to work and contribute your ideas. Your health and safety idea could include a new product or service or even a health and safety training course. If selected you would work alongside a subject matter expert to make your idea happen!
Young workers are particularly vulnerable to workplace injuries and illnesses as they are typically involved in seasonal, contract, part-time or casual work, and often change jobs frequently. This puts you at a greater risk as you may lack the ability or the resources to understand your workplace rights.
12 Tips for Staying Safe at Work as a Young Worker
1. Get training.
Learn how to work safely. Follow the rules and know what to do in an emergency.
2. Be supervised.
Supervisor, will you be here to see that I do the job right? If you’re not around, whom should I ask?
3. Wear the gear.
Hair nets, gloves, aprons, safety glasses, ear plugs, etc. Use them properly as required.
4. Identify risks.
Before you start the job, report unsafe practices and situations to your supervisor or employer.
5. If you don’t know, ask!
There are no “dumb” questions. Learn about your rights and obligations under the OHSA.
6. Do your job.
Don’t do anything you haven’t been asked to do, or have been told specifically not to do.
7. Follow the safety rules.
And if you don’t know the safety rules, ask your supervisor.
8. Report hazards.
Tell your supervisor if you see anything hazardous, even if it involves another worker.
9. If you’re hurt.
No matter how minor, report injuries to your supervisor or employer and tell your family.
10. Talk to your family.
Tell them what you’re doing at work. Let them know if you think something’s wrong.
11. Be honest.
If a task is too much for you, say so! Don’t attempt something that you can’t handle.
12. Never assume.
Don’t assume you can do something without instruction, guidance or supervision.
Young minds are a great source of disruptive innovation within business and PSHSA wants to hear from you for your contribution to improving health and safety in Ontario. Learn how to submit your email application by January 31, 2017 at: pshsa.ca/studentchallenge.
This is your opportunity to make a difference!
Good luck, and may the odds be ever in your favour!