New & Young Workers

New & Young Workers: Higher Risk, Stronger Support

Every worker deserves a safe and confident start, especially those who are new to the job or under 25 years of age. Statistically, these workers face a higher risk of injury, often within their first few weeks at work. By recognizing the unique challenges they face, employers can take simple, proactive steps to reduce risk, support ongoing learning, and create a culture where everyone feels safe to speak up. This page will help you to:

• Understand the additional legal responsibilities that apply to new and young workers
• Adapt your onboarding process to reduce early risk
• Foster a safety culture that prioritizes mentorship, communication, and confidence-building

Why the Extra Focus?

New and young workers often enter the workplace without the experience, confidence, or familiarity needed to navigate hazards safely. Whether it’s their first job, a new environment, or unfamiliar equipment, they may not yet have the tools to protect themselves, and might hesitate to ask questions or raise concerns. Contributing factors can include:

• Limited ability to recognize hazards
• Inexperience with specific tasks or equipment
• Uncertainty about speaking up
• Underdeveloped safety habits
• Lack of awareness of their rights

To address these challenges, the OHS Regulation requires employers to provide focused orientation and training, helping new and young workers get up to speed safely and confidently.

Who Counts as a New or Young Worker?

Some workers face a higher risk of injury simply because they’re unfamiliar with the workplace, the tasks, or the hazards involved. These workers may need extra orientation, training, and supervision, especially in fast-paced, seasonal, or high-turnover environments. A worker should be considered new or young if they:

• Are under 25 years old
• Are new to your workplace, even if they have previous industry experience
• Are returning to the job after a break or leave where hazards may have changed
• Have been reassigned or relocated to a different role or worksite with new risks
• Are new to Canada, such as recent immigrants or workers on temporary visas
• Are international students, seasonal hires, or in their first-ever job
• May not speak English as their first language, or are unfamiliar with Canadian health and safety practices

By identifying these workers early and giving them the support they need, you can build their confidence, prevent injuries, and create a stronger safety culture for your whole team.

Legal Requirements for Employers

Employers must ensure that every new or young worker receives a health and safety orientation before starting work. This includes training on worker rights and responsibilities, common workplace hazards, safe work procedures, personal protective equipment use, and emergency protocols. Orientation should also cover any specific tasks the worker will perform, along with an assessment to confirm they can do the work safely. If a worker is unsure or struggling, additional training is required.

Documenting orientation and training is an important part of maintaining your health and safety program and demonstrates due diligence.

Beyond Orientation: How to Support Them

Orientation is just the beginning. New and young workers often need ongoing guidance and encouragement to build confidence and stay safe on the job. Supporting them consistently, especially in the early days, can prevent injuries, reinforce expectations, and help build strong safety habits. Consider these strategies to provide continued support:

• Check in regularly and observe work to ensure safe practices are being followed
• Offer positive feedback when workers demonstrate safe behaviour
• Correct unsafe practices as soon as they’re observed, and explain why they’re unsafe
• Encourage questions and create space for workers to speak up
• Reinforce training with quick safety talks during team meetings or shift huddles
• Assign experienced mentors or supervisors who can provide coaching on the job

These small actions not only build trust and confidence, but also reduce the risk of injury for new and young workers.

More Information and Resources

Customizable Templates

• Health & Safety Orientation Checklist for General Industry (go2HR)
• Health & Safety Orientation Checklist for Restaurants (go2HR)
• Employee Training Record for Individual Workers (go2HR)
• Employee Training Record for Multiple Workers (go2HR)
• Young or New Worker Orientation Checklist Template (WorkSafeBC)

Additional Information

• Safety Basics: Orient, Train, and Supervise Workers (go2HR)
• Young & New Workers (WorkSafeBC)
• Training and Orienting Workers (WorkSafeBC)
• Support for Employers: Training and Orientation for Young and New Workers (WorkSafeBC)
• Psychologically Safe Orientation Strategies (People Working Well)
• Supervisor Series – Spotlight on Safety (WorkSafeBC)
• Sample Employee Orientation (CCOHS)
• Orientation and Training for Young and New Workers Are Essential (go2HR)
• OHS Regulation 3: 23 New or Young Worker Orientation and Training

Online Courses

• OHS Program Fundamentals Module 6: Training and Instruction of Employees (go2HR)
• Safety Basics Health & Safety Orientation Course (go2HR)

Need Help?

We’re here to support you at any stage of the process. Contact us for guidance, templates, or one-on-one support tailored to your business.