A young worker is a person 15 to 24 years of age who performs work or supplies services for monetary compensation. In 2017, the definition of worker in the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) was expanded to include volunteers or students who are working as interns, apprentices, etc. under a work experience or co-op program.
Young workers experience more injuries than older workers. While young workers make up only 13% of the workforce, they account for about 16% of all allowed schedule 1 WSIB lost-time injury claims.
– Occupational Health and Safety in Ontario (Apr 2018 – Mar 2019)
Did You Know?
WSIB statistics show that between 2012 and 2016, 30 young workers died in work-related incidents in Ontario.
A new worker is a person of any age who has been on the job less than six months or has been reassigned to a new job. New workers can include:
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Any new hire, either permanent or temporary, including supervisors with or without experience in the industry where they are working
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Current workers who are assigned new jobs
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Student workers, co-op placements, or apprentices.
Did You Know?
Research from the Institute for Work & Health (IWH) shows that workers in Ontario are three times more likely to be injured during their first month on the job than at any other time.
There are several reasons why new and young workers are particularly at risk.
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They may lack the experience and training to recognize and avoid hazards.
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They may not know their rights.
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They may not be properly supervised.
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They may not have received adequate orientation.
Training and Orientation
Employers are responsible for ensuring that the workplace is healthy and safe and that workers are provided with the information, instruction, and supervision they need to protect themselves against potential hazards. This is especially important when dealing with new and young workers.
Employers should have systems in place to ensure that new and young workers are adequately trained and have received proper orientation. A system is also needed to effectively communicate health and safety information to employees. For more information, visit the Training, Orientation, and Communications web page in the Policy and Program Templates section of our website.
According to Ontario Regulation 297/13, which came into effect on July 1, 2014, employers are required to make sure that all of their workers have completed basic occupational health and safety awareness training. This training outlines the rights, roles, and responsibilities of workers. The Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) offers the following online training:
For new or young construction workers, IHSA offers an Entry-Level Construction course, which has been approved by the MLITSD.
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P050 Texting on Jobsite Awareness Poster
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B045 Contractor's Toolkit
The Contractor's Toolkit can help firms develop or improve their health and safety program. It is designed to help contractors comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, construction regulations, and Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) inspections.
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M019 Guidelines for Training Traffic Control Persons
This booklet can be used by supervisors and trainers to meet the requirements for training traffic control persons (TCPs) about the objectives, equipment, signs, signals, and other parts of doing the job.
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B016 Handbook for Construction Traffic Control Persons
Traffic control persons (TCPs) must be given written and oral instructions regarding their duties.
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W001 Training Requirements Chart
Training gives workers the knowledge to recognize the hazards they face and do their jobs safely. It also helps employers fulfil their duty to protect the health and safety of their workers.
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P001 Help New Workers Start Right Poster
This poster reminds people to help new workers be safe by explaining and demonstrating how to do the job safely and supervising their progress.
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BR005 Fall Protection Work Plan
This is a step-by-step guide for controlling fall hazards on your jobsite. It is intended to offer guidance and instruction for workers using fall protection.
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IHSA011 Keep Your Promise Poster
This poster promotes safe workplaces by illustrating the hardship and tragedy a work-related death leaves for friends and family through the stark imagery of a child who has lost a parent.
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W021 Jobsite Hazard Checklist for Service Work
Use this checklist to help assess a jobsite for hazards. It lists the main points to consider when you are checking the safety of your site.
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P125 Keep Your Promise: Struck-by Poster
This poster reminds workers, drivers, and pedestrians that they all have a role to play when it comes to preventing struck-by incidents when working around heavy equipment and motor vehicles.
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IHSA038 Distracted Driving Hazards Poster
Distracted driving is a leading cause of driving-related collisions, injuries, and deaths in Ontario.
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W254 Health and Safety Advisory: WAH Site-Specific Training
Falling from heights continues to be a leading cause of injuries and fatalities in the Ontario construction industry.
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Struck-by incidents are a common cause of injury and death on busy worksites with lots of moving vehicles and equipment.
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Last Updated: January 28, 2020