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There’s not much difference between you or your friends and the young workers involved in these statistics.

They were starting their first jobs, working after school or during the summer, or maybe on co-op placements. They liked their jobs, and they worked hard to be good employees. But something went wrong and the consequences were life altering.

Workplace injury, disease and death are crimes.

Every workplace is governed by a set of laws that protect all workers from workplace hazards and danger. Today’s Occupational Safety and Health laws have been in effect for almost 30 years.

When you’re a young worker, it’s hard to know when you’re in danger. It’s even harder to go and tell someone about it. You don’t want people to think you’re lazy or can’t do the job. But every time you report a health and safety hazard in the workplace, or ask for training on the job, you’re helping to prevent an injury or death.

Prevention is the key.

Now is the time to learn about your rights and recognize the risks at work. Learn how to stop workplace crimes. You could save lives – yours and those of your friends and co-workers.

Yes. As a young worker, you’re at special risk. Most injuries happen to new workers in their first three months on the job. Here’s what can happen to young workers:

• broken bones

• severe loss of blood

• head injuries

• amputation

• severe burns or scalds

• slips and falls

• over-exertion

• struck by an object

• toxic effects from chemicals

• burns

All jobs can be dangerous. Bad accidents can happen anywhere – in stores and fast food restaurants, in a manufacturing plant, a mine or construction site, or in offices and warehouses. Most injuries take place in the service industry – where young workers start out as store clerks, table servers or cooks.

Ask. Most employers want a healthy and safe workplace. They must tell you about hazards on the job. It’s the law. They must tell you if you are working with dangerous machinery, chemicals or in a hazardous workplace. They must provide training so you can learn how to work safely.

• What are the dangers and hazards on the job?

• Will I get training for the job I’m asked to do?

• Is there protective clothing or equipment I should wear?

• What are the dangers of the machinery or equipment I have to use?

• Are there dangers from any of the chemicals I’ll be using?

• Will I get health and safety training?

• Who can I talk to about health and safety questions?

Under provincial health and safety laws, you have the right

• to know about health and safety hazards in your workplace

• to participate in health and safety decisions, inspections and testing

• to refuse to do work that you have reason to believe is unsafe.

If you’ve got questions about health and safety in your workplace, here are some of the people you can ask:

• Your supervisor. Most employers want a healthy and safe workplace and will welcome your questions.

• Your co-op teacher. If you’re on a placement, your teacher needs to know about health and safety problems.

• Your union representative. If you’re in a unionized workplace, talk to your union representative. He or she can tell you what to do next.

• The health and safety committee. Most workplaces have joint health and safety committees or health and safety representatives.

• The Workers’ Health and Safety Centre can help with information or direct you to the correct source in your area. Call toll-free 1.888.869.7950 or visit www.whsc.on.ca

• The Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers seek to promote workers’ health and prevent work-related illnesses and injuries. Call toll-free 1.877.817.0336 or visit www.ohcow.on.ca .

Here are some other websites for more information:

• See JobSmart at United Steelworkers website.

• See Young Workers Zone at the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety: www.ccohs.ca/youngworkers

• See information on working safely at Canada Safety Council: www.safety-council.org

• See the LifeQuilt memorial dedicated to the thousands of young workers killed and injured on the job: www.youngworkerquilt.ca

• Get immediate first aid.

• Report the injury to your supervisor and fill out an accident report.

• See your own doctor, even if you have already seen the employer’s doctor.

• In a unionized workplace, report the injury to your union.

• If you needed medical help, make sure your supervisor has filed a report with the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board or the Workers Compensation Board in your province.

• Fill out and return promptly any forms sent to you by the Board. If you need help with the forms, see your union representative. Be sure to keep copies of all documents.

1. Your supervisor tells you to use equipment in a way that looks dangerous. What do you do?

a. Refuse to do the work.

b. After your supervisor leaves, find another worker and ask for instructions on how to use the equipment safely.

c. Tell the supervisor you don’t believe the work is safe and ask for more training before using the equipment.

2. You feel nauseated after using a new cleaning product on the job. What do you do?

a. Take an over-the-counter stomach remedy.

b. Go to the hospital right away. At the hospital, tell the doctor you want to report the problem to the government.

c. Report it to your supervisor and ask him/her to check the container with you for hazardous product symbols.

3. After long hours on the company computer, you’re starting to get wrist and neck pain. What do you do?

a. Buy a book on exercises to do at your desk.

b. Ask your supervisor if you can change to another job for half the day so that you don’t develop repetitive strain injuries.

c. Discuss your concerns with your supervisor and ask for an ergonomic assessment of your workstation.

4. Your co-op placement is on the second floor of a warehouse. One area is open to the first floor with no protective barrier. You tell the building supervisor about it, but 3 days later, there is still no railing or fence. What do you do?

a. Refuse to do the work, then call your co-op supervisor immediately.

b. Hammer up a safety barrier yourself.

c. Remind your supervisor about the safety risk, and ask when it will be fixed. Meanwhile, make sure not to work too close to the opening.

1. c

Your employer is required to give you proper training in using equipment and carrying out procedures safely. If you don’t get the training you request, you can refuse to work.

2. c

Containers of hazardous chemicals and products carry warning symbols with instruction for how to use them safely. Make sure you are being asked to use products safely. If you don’t get the information you need to work safely, you can refuse to work.

3. c

Neck and wrist pain from prolonged computer use can create life-long problems. Take it seriously. A good ergonomic assessment will consider your work station, the hours you work and stretches to relax tense muscles. If you don’t get help to work pain-free, you can refuse to work.

4. a

This is a critical situation. Refuse to work, explaining that you believe the situation to be dangerous to health and safety. Call your placement officer right away and explain the situation. He or she can advise you on the next steps to take, including refusing to work until the opening is covered with a protective barrier.