With summer in full swing, WorkSafe Saskatchewan reminds employers and supervisors to take extra care of new and young workers. Approximately 6,000 Saskatchewan young workers get injured on the job each year, and the injury rate for young workers peaks in July and August. Injuries to young workers are primarily due to: lack of training, experience and/or supervision. They also:

• Lack knowledge of their rights  
• Are eager to please
• Rush to finish

WorkSafe Saskatchewan urges supervisors to be approachable and willing to answer questions. Young workers need to ask questions on the job. Asking a question can save someone from an injury or even save their life.

Brad Compton, Account Manager at the Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) says, “All workers require orientation, training and supervision, but this is particularly important for young workers. Research shows that if an employer offers orientation and is willing to answer questions, their young employees are less likely to be injured.”

For more information on how to keep young workers safe, go to www.work2live.ca.

FAST FACTS:

On average, workers under the age of 25 receive approximately 6,000 injuries each year:

• 2,750 hand injuries are caused cuts, strikes or burns
• 1,000 back injuries due to heavy lifting, climbing, reaching or twisting
• 900 leg injuries to sprains, strains or breaking;
• 650 arm injuries from being cut, sprained or strained;
• 600 eyes injuries caused by chips and splinters
• 3 work-related fatalities

The top 4 industries for young worker injuries are:

• Construction
• Hospitality
• Retail 
• Manufacturing

Workers who are 14 or 15 must complete the Young Worker Readiness Certificate Course before working. www.saskatchewan.ca/ywrcc

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