NEW AND YOUNG WORKERS - EMPLOYER/SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES
Hello, and welcome to another episode of MOL Radio.
In this segment, we will be discussing employer and supervisor responsibilities when hiring young workers - workers 24 years old and younger.
Most workplaces will, at one time or another, hire a young worker. Young workers are eager to work, and many times bring in new energy and freshness to a workplace.
At the same time, young workers, and workers new to the job, often can't recognize health and safety hazards in the workplace because of their inexperience, and they hesitate to ask questions.
As a result, new and young workers are much more likely to be injured on the job.
In fact, WSIB data shows that young workers, as well as new workers in their first six months on the job, have higher rates of injuries than other age groups or people with more experience.
There are a number of reasons why there is a higher risk of injury in this group:
• They have less experience in the particular work, and are less likely to be familiar with the hazards.
• They are less likely to ask questions, self advocate or exercise their rights.
• And many young workers have a sense of invincibility … nothing bad can happen to them.
Employers hiring young workers have certain responsibilities.
They must first make sure that the young worker meets the minimum age requirements under the Occupational Health and Safety Act. This information is available on our website, and we'll give you the web address at the end of this segment.
When a young worker starts a new job, the worker must receive proper orientation and training, including detailed information on hazards that can be found in the workplace.
They should have knowledge of the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System known as WHMIS.
And, they should also be aware of their rights and duties, including their right to refuse unsafe work.
The employer is also responsible for providing ongoing information, instruction and supervision to protect workers.
Supervisors also have responsibilities under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
They must ensure that workers perform their jobs in the way that is required by law, and using the equipment and protective devices that are required by law and by the employer.
They must fully explain actual and potential, general and job-specific, workplace hazards. They must ensure that the workers know who is on the Joint Health and Safety Committee, or is their health and safety representative. And, they must provide workers with written measures and procedures for their protection where required by law.
Remember … young workers are eager and willing to please. And, they are more likely to be injured on the job than older, more experienced workers.
As employers and supervisors, it is your responsibility to make sure that they work safely and are able to go home, safe and sound.
That's it for this segment of MOL Radio.
In an upcoming segment, we will outline the rights and responsibilities that young workers have on the job.
For more information on young workers, please go to our website at Ontario.ca - forward slash - young workers - one word.
That's Ontario.ca - forward slash - young workers - plural, one word.
Thank you for listening to MOL Radio.