Community members, even if not directly involved in the workplace or with young people in other areas, have a responsibility to raise awareness of workplace health and safety by fostering a culture whereby worker safety is a high priority. The Workers' Compensation Board helps employers, supervisors, and young workers to promote safe and healthy work environments. A number of WCB initiatives provide information to employers, supervisors, educators, parents, young workers and the public about staying safe and healthy on the job. B.C. A recent comprehensive research study commissioned by the WCB with the Angus Reid Group Inc. entitled Young Workers and Workplace Injuries , outlines the underlying attitudes of young workers and key stakeholders about how and why young workers get injured on the job and what can or should be done to address the risks that young workers face today in the workplace. Workplace visits WCB officers pay special attention to workplaces that employ large numbers of young workers during the summer.
Officers visit workplaces to promote employer and worker awareness of on the job hazards.
Through the Ministry of Education Career and Personal Planning program, all grade 10 to 12 students are eligible for five hours of occupational health and safety information. This program was developed by the WCB and is taught by teachers. Student WorkSafe is also offered in kindergarten to grade 9 classes throughout the province. Student WorkSafe aims at helping students develop health and safety awareness skills long before they enter the workplace. By focusing on age-appropriate activities, student learn how the recognize hazards and make their work chores safer.