In this article you will find at-a-glance statistics, powerful videos and useful tools to help you implement the measures necessary to safeguard your young and new workers, while also protecting your own interests as an employer as you comply with the new, mandatory regulation.
Understanding the risks
There are approximately 45,000 young workers in BC's tourism and hospitality industry who, like all workers, have a right to a safe and healthy workplace. Young workers — particularly male young workers — are at a much higher risk of injury than other workers. Historically, the injury rate for young males is approximately 60 per cent higher than the injury rate for all BC workers.
Without job knowledge and experience, it is far more difficult for the young worker to recognize potentially risky situations and equipment. Eager to please and unwilling to make waves, young workers may be hesitant to question the safety of work procedures or ask for proper safety training and guidelines. Many feel pressured to complete a job quickly and can be swayed by peer pressure, regardless of the risk involved. And without a thorough understanding of their rights or responsibilities as workers, youth may be reluctant to ask questions or refuse to perform an unsafe work practice.
Cost benefits of the program
Preventing mishaps and injuries can represent a real cost savings for your business. Accident costs can include the time taken to provide first aid, transportation to hospital or the employee's home, possible property damage and replacement costs, time spent investigating and reporting the incident, time to hire and train a replacement worker, lost productivity due to this disruption and reduced productivity as the employee returns to work and gets back up to speed.
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WorkSafeBC – FAQs
This is a cross-section of frequently asked questions that should offer you some reassurance that gaps in employers' knowledge about young and new workers are common, but easily remedied. |
