Young people are three to four times more likely to be hurt on the job within the first six months of employment than the average Canadian worker.
Inexperience, unfamiliarity with health and safety laws and lack of confidence to speak up and ask questions are some reasons why young people are more vulnerable to workplace injury.
To help reduce the risk, WorkSafeNB, in co-operation with the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, is hosting the “Focus on Safety” youth video contest. The contest challenges high school students to create a two-minute original video that captures the importance of working safely. Prizes include cash for both students and their high schools.
The first-place winning video from the New Brunswick contest will be entered in the Canadian “Focus on Safety” finals, where it will compete against other winning videos from across the country. It will also be viewed by Canadians coast-to-coast during Fan Favourite Week in April.
This year, New Brunswick has an optional theme: Speak Up! Speak Out!
“We want youth to talk about safety in and outside the workplace,” said Gerard Adams, WorkSafeNB president and CEO. “Workplace safety is a culture, and young people can be leaders in this culture. This starts by speaking about safety and making it part of our everyday conversation,” he said.
The “Focus on Safety” youth video contest doesn’t require elaborate video or sound equipment. “Students can use their smartphone, laptop or tablet,” Adams said. “What’s critical is the message and how effectively and creatively this message is conveyed.”
WorkSafeNB encourages all high school students and educators to get involved. Media and film study teachers may wish to incorporate the contest in their curriculum. For inspiration, WorkSafeNB has posted winning videos from previous years on its YouTube channel.
The deadline for entries is April 1, 2016. For contest rules and entry form, please visit youthsafenb.ca.