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Workplace Safety
Many young workers are not aware that there are many hazards, dangers and potential for injuries while on the job.
Did you know?
- One in seven young workers is injured on the job
- After car accidents, the leading cause of death among young people are machine injuries.
There is a lot to know about being safe while working. You can take the lead in your own safety by being aware:
Before Starting Work - 7 Things You Better Know
- What you don't know can hurt you
There are hazards in every workplace and you - the young and inexperienced worker - are especially at risk.
- What you do know can save your life
You need to be able to identify the hazards in your workplace.
- The Law Protects
You have the legal right to protect your health and safety.
- The Law Expects
Your employer, your supervisor(s), and you all have legal responsibilities to make sure the workplace is healthy and safe.
- You Can Expect...
Your employer and your supervisor must ensure you have the information or required training and equipment you need to protect yourself.
- You Must Report...
If you are injured or become sick at the workplace, you must report it to your supervisor.
- Don't gamble with your health and safety...
It's not a game. You need to protect yourself.
Health & Safety Questions to Ask Your Employer
- What are the dangers of my job?
- Are there hazards (noise, chemicals) that I should know about?
- Will I receive job Safety training? When?
- Is there any safety gear that I’ll be expected to wear? Will I receive training on how to use it?
- Will I be trained in emergency procedures? When?
- Where are the fire extinguishers, first aid kits and other emergency equipment located?
- Who do I ask if I have a safety question?
- Do you have safety meetings?
How to Protect Yourself at Work
As an employee you have rights that protect you against health and safety risks at work while doing your job. The Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) is the Ontario law that oversees health and safety in the workplace. It is important to learn about how you can protect yourself and know the answers to questions such as:
- Am I covered by the Ontario Occupational Health & Safety Act and is my job covered?
- What are my health and safety rights?
- What are the employers and supervisors responsibilities?
- How to recognizing dangers?
- What is a hazard and how to report it?
- I don’t think my work is safe, what do I do?
- Injuries at work, how do I protect myself?
answers to these questions and for more detailed information:
Minimum Age for Working
Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, there are set minimum age requirements for working in Ontario workplaces.
Minimum age requirements for working |
14 years old |
15 years old |
16 years old |
18 years old |
Establishments such as offices, stores, arenas, restaurant serving areas. |
Factories and industry (other than logging operations); restaurant kitchens. |
Construction, surface mine (except the working face); logging operations; mining plants. |
Underground mining or a working face of a surface mine; window cleaning |
Health & Safety Interactive Quizzes
Use the interactive Health & Safety 101 e-course and the Young Workers Awareness quiz to learn more about important workplace health and safety.
Want more information?
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