Young workers are defined as workers between 15 and 24 years of age. What we know about this group of workers is that they are often eager to please and will often rely on and assume that others in the workplace, such as supervisors or managers, will keep them safe. This approach can prove hazardous for young workers and leave them vulnerable to injuries.
Instead, SAFE Work Manitoba encourages young workers to speak up and ask questions about workplace safety, take an active role in learning about potential hazards in the workplace and learn more about their rights and responsibilities for a safe and healthy workplace.
Did you know?
- Employers and supervisors are legally responsible for providing safety training and orientation to all workers starting a new job or taking on new tasks.
- Injuries at work often occur when safety training has not been provided and workers are unfamiliar with the hazards related to the job.
- When surveyed by our partner SAFE Workers of Tomorrow, 1/3 of young workers said that they would not refuse to do work they considered unsafe.
- Since 2008, fourteen young workers have lost their lives to workplace incidents in Manitoba.
- There are specific employment rules for young workers. For example, young workers cannot work during certain hours or in specific industries if they are under the age of 18. Please see the Government of Manitoba fact sheet for further information.
- Aspiring young workers in Manitoba aged 13 to 15 must take the Young Worker Readiness Certificate Course (YWRCC) before getting a job. This course replaces the outdated Child Employment Permit system in Manitoba. The YWRCC will teach you the basics about workers' and employers' rights and responsibilities for safety, health and the employment relationship, and contains important information you need to know before entering the job market.
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