Is your summer job a safe space to work?

Have you already found yourself a summer job, or are you still on the hunt for one? How aware are you of your roles, responsibilities and rights to proper health and safety at work?

Lack of knowledge of workplace health and safety issues can prove dangerous for new and young workers. Insufficient safety measures at work can result in youth suffering from various illnesses, injuries, and even death.



The following are some shocking facts related to the occupational health and safety of young workers in Canada:

• Studies suggest that young workers (especially those aged 15-24) are vulnerable to occupational injury and illness.


• According to Statistics Canada Health Report, work-related injuries are more common in young workers engaged in ‘blue-collar’ rather than ‘white-collar’ jobs.


• Analysis of large-scale national surveys suggests low participation rates of young workers in formal occupational health and safety training.

While employers are responsible for ensuring the health and safety of their workforce, young workers also have the crucial responsibility of following the best practices.

Here’s what you need to do to lower your risk for workplace injuries:

• Know the federal and provincial labour laws. These laws have been defined by the government for your protection, while prohibiting you from performing dangerous tasks in the workplace.


• Learn about your safety rights in the workplace. You have the right to refuse performing any unsafe task.


• Discuss your work with your parents. Tell them what tasks you perform on a daily basis. Let them know what type of equipment and protective gear workers use at your job.


• Talk to your teacher, parents, colleagues or boss if you feel uncomfortable in any way at your job.


• Report any job-related hazard or incident of harassment or discrimination, based on race, religion, ethnicity, color, creed, nationality, sex, or disability, to your supervisor, police, provincial or federal ministry of labour.


• Get professional help. At YMCA youth employment centres, experts provide one-on-one counselling and peer mentorship to young workers in a confidential, friendly and accepting atmosphere.

Don’t forget to check out these online resources to learn more about the issue of occupational health and safety:

• Workplace Safety North: High risk for new workers an ongoing issue


• Government of Canada publication: Are you in danger?


• Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety: Young Workers Zone

Be safe, be healthy and work hard.

Wishing you the best of luck at your upcoming summer job!