Information for young and new workers

Young workers, aged 15-24, bring energy and fresh ideas to a workplace but they 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. Source: Institute for Work and Health (Ontario)

YOUR COMMITMENT TO SAFETY

As an employee in any type of job, you have a responsibility to:

Follow the safety rules and regulations.
Ask for an orientation and job-specific safety training.
Report all injuries and unsafe working conditions to your supervisor.
Conduct yourself in a safe manner and not put yourself or others at risk.
Wear the proper personal protective equipment.
Co-operate with the joint health and safety committee (JHSC) or safety representatives.
Co-operate with WorkSafeNB and its health and safety officers.
Do the job safely, don’t take short cuts.

If you don’t comply with these responsibilities, a WorkSafeNB health and safety officer may write an order requiring you to do so. Failure to comply with an order of this kind could result in prosecution.

KNOWING YOUR RIGHTS WILL HELP YOU. . .

prevent workplace injuries.
protect yourself and others.
be alert and identify the hazards.
ask questions.
affect your own safety.
influence others.

QUESTIONS TO ASK AT ANY JOB:

When will I receive an orientation and job safety training?
How do I use the equipment properly and safely?
What do I do if there is an emergency situation?
What are the hazards on the job?
Will I be in contact with any hazardous materials?
What is WHMIS? Will I get WHMIS training?
What safety gear do I need to wear?
Who do I discuss safety concerns with or report unsafe working conditions to?
Do I know and have everything to do the job safely?
Has anyone been injured doing this job before?

DID YOU KNOW THAT YOU HAVE THREE RIGHTS TO PROTECT YOU?

The Occupational Health and Safety Act protects workers of ALL ages, working at full or part-time jobs.

As an employee, you have three rights to protect you:

The right to know about the workplace hazards and to receive an orientation and training on how to do the job safely.
The right to participate in solving health and safety problems.
The right to refuse unsafe work. Employees' rights are protected against discriminatory actions from employers or unions.

WHERE THE INJURIES ARE HAPPENING...

Top places where injuries are happening to N.B. workers aged 15 to 24:

Manufacturing
Construction
Finance and insurance
Retail

Don’t be shy – asking questions will keep you safe

BE PREPARED FOR THE JOB! LOOK OUT FOR YOURSELF AND OTHERS

Any job, no matter where it is or what it is, has an element of risk. Learn the risks you are exposed to and stay safe.
It could be your first day on the job or your third summer – every day new workers are getting injured on the job.
Workplace injuries are real – the consequences can be staggering.
New workers are more likely to get injured on the job.
Be proud, work hard, but be SAFE!

RIGHT TO REFUSE UNSAFE WORK – WHAT ALL WORKERS NEED TO KNOW:

All workers have a right to refuse work that they believe is dangerous to their health or safety, or to the health and safety of other workers.
If you are unsure about your safety at work, ask yourself:

Do I feel that I am at risk of getting injured?

If you answered YES, follow the steps below:

Step 1: Report your safety concern to your supervisor. If the problem is resolved, return to work. If not,

Step 2: Report the matter to your Joint Health and Safety Committee or your health and safety representative. If it’s still not resolved,

Step 3: Call WorkSafeNB at 1 800 999-9775 and explain the situation. Return to the task only when you feel the situation is no longer dangerous.

In all cases, you must stay on the job until your supervisor(s) and JHSC work with you to resolve your concerns.

BE A SAFETY LEADER,
MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

HOW CAN YOU BE A HEALTH AND SAFETY LEADER?

Don’t ignore safety concerns that may put you or your colleagues at risk on the job.
Be prepared. If you are unsure about using the equipment or a product, ASK – it can save your life.
Make safety a part of everyday conversation. Talk to your peers, supervisors or employers about what safety means for your workplace.
Get help. Talk to your supervisor, health and safety representative or Joint Health and Safety Committee about any safety concerns.