Hello, HR community! Today, we’re talking about Health & Safety for young workers and how we can ensure their well-being in the workplace. According to the Ontario government, young workers are those under 25 years of age, which often means they are inexperienced and still learning their jobs. While they are known for bringing fresh energy and innovative ideas to their workplaces, they also face unique challenges that require our attention to keep them safe and productive. Let’s explore some common issues affecting these young professionals and the best practices to help keep these risks low.
Understanding young workers’ challenges
- Lack of experience
Young workers often enter the workforce with limited experience. This can lead to a lack of awareness about potential hazards and the best ways to handle them. They might be unfamiliar with the equipment or processes in their new roles, making them more vulnerable to accidents.
- Inadequate training
Training is crucial for any worker, but especially for those just starting out. Without proper training, young workers might not fully understand safety protocols, leading to unsafe practices. It’s very important to ensure that training programs are comprehensive and reflect the reality of their specific roles.
- Higher risk of injury
Statistics show that young workers are more likely to suffer from workplace injuries compared to their older colleagues. This can be due to several factors, including overconfidence, distractions, or a simple lack of understanding of their own limits and the dangers present in their work environment.
- Communication barriers
Young workers may hesitate to speak up about safety concerns or ask questions, and that can lead to misunderstandings and mistakes. Encouraging open communication and creating a supportive environment is the best way to break down these barriers.
- Psychosocial risks
Young workers may also face psychosocial risks, such as stress or harassment, which can affect their mental health and safety. Understanding these risks and putting strategies in place to address them is essential for maintaining a healthy workplace for everyone.
Best practices for ensuring young worker safety
- Comprehensive training programs
Start by creating training programs that cover all critical aspects of safety protocols and procedures. Use a mix of hands-on training, interactive sessions, and digital resources to engage young workers and ensure they understand critical safety information. Regular refresher courses should also be part of this plan to keep everyone updated on the latest safety practices.
- Mentorship and supervision
Pair young workers with experienced mentors who can guide them through their roles. Supervisors should take an active role in monitoring young workers’ performance and providing constructive feedback. This helps them level up their skills and boosts their confidence in handling tasks safely.
- Clear communication channels
Build a stronger workplace culture where communication is open and encouraged. Add anonymous reporting systems for safety concerns to your other reporting policies and procedures, such as work refusals. You can also hold regular meetings to discuss potential improvements, where everyone can give ideas and voice their doubts. By ensuring young workers feel comfortable speaking up, you can identify and address risks before they lead to incidents.
- Implementing safety technologies
Use the power of technology to improve safety at your company. This might include wearable devices that monitor physical strain or fatigue, virtual reality for training simulations, or apps that provide safety checklists and reminders. These tools can offer young workers additional support for maintaining a safe working environment.
- Promoting a positive safety culture
Establish a safety-first culture that puts the wellbeing of all employees first. Recognize and reward safe practices, involve young workers in safety planning and decision-making, and make sure that safety is seen as a shared responsibility among all team members, rather than a lot of red tape.
Let the experts in Health & Safety help
Creating a safe and supportive environment for young workers sets them up for success and boosts the overall productivity of your organization. By putting these best practices in place, you can help young workers deliver their best work while keeping risks as low as possible.
At Citation Canada, we specialize in advanced health and safety solutions that address the unique challenges young workers face. Our specialists are here to help you create a safety program that fits your needs. Explore our solutions today and get in touch with us to ensure your workplace remains safe for all employees.
Here’s to a safer, more inclusive, and productive workspace for young workers everywhere!