Now that summer has arrived, WorkSafe Saskatchewan is reminding employers and supervisors to take extra care of new and young workers.
Approximately 6,000 Saskatchewan young workers (under the age of 25) 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 or supervision. They also lack knowledge of their rights, are eager to please and rush to finish, said WorkSafe.
?Young workers often have the same duties as experienced adults, and without the proper training, it is easy for them to get injured on the job.
?WorkSafe Saskatchewan urges supervisors to be approachable and willing to answer questions. Asking a question can save someone from an injury or even save their life.
“All workers require orientation, training and supervision, but this is particularly important for young workers," said Brad Compton, account manager at the Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB). "Research shows that if an employer offers orientation and is willing to answer questions, their young employees are less likely to be injured.” ?
Average number of injuries for young workers in Saskatchewan per year:
•2,750 hand injuries (caused cuts, strikes or burns)
•1,000 back injuries (heavy lifting, climbing, reaching or twisting)
•900 leg injuries (sprains, strains or breaking)
•650 arm injuries (cut, sprained or strained)
•600 eye injuries (caused by chips and splinters).
And each year, about three young workers suffer a work-related fatality in Saskatchewan.
The top four industries for young worker injuries are construction, hospitality, retail and manufacturing.
?In Saskatchewan, workers who are 14 or 15 must complete the Young Worker Readiness Certificate Course before working.
Approximately 6,000 Saskatchewan young workers (under the age of 25) 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 or supervision. They also lack knowledge of their rights, are eager to please and rush to finish, said WorkSafe.
?Young workers often have the same duties as experienced adults, and without the proper training, it is easy for them to get injured on the job.
?WorkSafe Saskatchewan urges supervisors to be approachable and willing to answer questions. Asking a question can save someone from an injury or even save their life.
“All workers require orientation, training and supervision, but this is particularly important for young workers," said Brad Compton, account manager at the Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB). "Research shows that if an employer offers orientation and is willing to answer questions, their young employees are less likely to be injured.” ?
Average number of injuries for young workers in Saskatchewan per year:
•2,750 hand injuries (caused cuts, strikes or burns)
•1,000 back injuries (heavy lifting, climbing, reaching or twisting)
•900 leg injuries (sprains, strains or breaking)
•650 arm injuries (cut, sprained or strained)
•600 eye injuries (caused by chips and splinters).
And each year, about three young workers suffer a work-related fatality in Saskatchewan.
The top four industries for young worker injuries are construction, hospitality, retail and manufacturing.
?In Saskatchewan, workers who are 14 or 15 must complete the Young Worker Readiness Certificate Course before working.
