Young Workers

Who are young workers?

There are different definitions for young workers, Statistics Canada classifies workers between the ages of 15 and 24 as being a young worker.  Young workers are prohibited from certain types of work, you should consult the legislation that applies to you before hiring a young worker. You may want to look at the age groups represented at your workplace to make your own determination of the cut-off age for treating someone as a “young worker”.  We should also remember the particular needs of inexperienced, newly transferred and newly promoted employees, regardless of their age.

Why the concern over young workers?

Younger workers tend to have higher injury rates than do older more experienced workers.  Work Safe Alberta reports that:

Injury claims from young workers aged 15-24, represents 19.4% of all lost-time claims and 22.7% of all disabling claims in the province, yet this age group represents only 18% of the total workforce. 

Other jurisdictions experience similar higher injury rates amongst young workers. 

We may not give sufficient thought to young workers because they are filling entry level or part time positions. Young workers likely require particular attention to ensure their safety as they enter the work world.

What restrictions are there on employing young workers?

Some key employment legislation considerations for employing young workers can include:

• Specific restrictions on hours of work and types of employment;
• Age defined restrictions with one set of restrictions for adolescents and another for those under 18;
• Young workers may not be eligible to drive on the job or operate certain pieces of equipment;
• Young workers may not be allowed to work unattended or unsupervised late at night;
• Minor young workers may need parental written consent for their employment;
• Legislated training programs might be required for first time workers.

These restrictions recognize the increased safety risks that young persons are exposed to. You should always verify the legislation when hiring a young worker.

Wouldn’t you expect older workers to injure themselves more often?

Young workers tend to injure themselves for the same reasons that older employees do:

• They lack proper training; 
• They have not been properly supervised;
• They are exposed to hazardous equipment or conditions.

Research suggests that young workers may be at increased risk because of:

• A lack of confidence;
• A sense of invincibility;
• Being afraid to say no to doing work that they are unfamiliar with;
• Being unwilling to ask questions through shyness or embarrassment;
• Being more easily distracted by other things going on in their lives.

One of the most valuable things you can do for a young worker is to encourage him or her to feel comfortable asking questions and checking before trying something new.  Take their questions and concerns seriously. Praise them for asking and explain the how and why of safety procedures.  

Controlling the Hazards and Best Practices

Young workers must be fully integrated into your safety system. You should consider having a specific young worker safety program in-place, designed to address their particular needs and includes:

• Training and orientation targeted to young workers;
• Encouraging young workers to ask questions before performing unfamiliar tasks;
• Providing specific training to supervisors of young workers;
• Assigning a mentor to young workers;
• Encouraging young workers to take an active role in your health and safety system.

We can all help young workers get off to a good start in their working lives and develop the habits they’ll need for success.  We should educate our employees on the needs of young workers and encourage them to contribute to our young worker programs.