Statistics show that one in seven young workers is injured on the job. After car accidents, the leading causes of death among young people are machine injuries and electrocutions. Across Canada, there were 121,452 serious workplace injuries involving 15 to 29 year olds in 1995. Many of these tragedies could easily have been avoided if a few basic safety rules had been followed, and if the employer had adequately trained the new employee to recognize potentially dangerous situations. Unfortunately, young workers like you are often so intent on impressing a potential employer at a job interview that they often neglect to ask about workplace safety or job training.
Many young workers are unaware of the inherent risks associated with their new job.
Some may claim to understand the safety instructions they are given when they really don't in order to please the trainer. You can help make sure of your own safety by knowing what to look for when entering a new or different work situation, and by knowing what questions to ask your potential or present employer. If you aren't given one, ask for a copy of the safety rules. Ask experienced employees, during training, about safety hazards. Know how to wear your personal protective equipment properly.