Employers

As an employer, you have the responsibility to protect the health and safety of all of your workers.  This responsibility becomes even more involved when you consider the young workers.  You are responsible for the health and safety of people’s children.  Although there are resources out there to help educate parents and youth, the final responsibility lies with you.

Service Hospitality Youth Safety Education Training

Participants in Service Hospitality’s Youth Safety Education training are rewarded with a Certificate of Completion.  Watch for this, as well as their Young Workers Readiness Certificate Course (YWRCC), on a resume before hiring a young worker.  It shows they have a basic understanding of their rights and responsibilities and understand the importance of safety in the workplace.

The Young Brain

Did you know … the human brain is not fully developed until the age of 25?  This can impact workplace safety.  As your child’s brain continues to develop, their decision making, risk taking and even sleep requirements are affected.  For more information about brain development and its impact on workplace safety, please visit:

In Working Order: Brain Development and Young Worker Safety Fact Sheet

News Release: Risk-Taking Young Brains Prompt Calls for Workplace Education

Young Workers Readiness Certificate Course

The YWRCC is required for youth aged 14 and 15 who want to work in Saskatchewan.  If they are older than that … it’s still a good idea and should be required by you, the employer, prior to them starting work.  Click here to find out more.

Training and Supervising Young Workers

How Supervisors Can Keep Young Workers Safe, from In Working Order.

–        Allocate tasks that are appropriate, keeping in mind young workers’ lack of experience and their physical and mental development.

–        Expect mistakes and plan for these so consequences are not serious.

–        Provide extra, ongoing supervision with lots of feedback on performance.

–        Consider a mentor system.

–        Talk with young workers as much as possible.

–        Set a good example.

–        Don’t assume a young worker understands the risks, even if the hazards are visible.

–        Explain their responsibilities towards keeping themselves and others safe.

More Resources

Safe Workers of Tomorrow – Resources including a printable booklet and quiz.

Canadian Centre for OH&S – Safety information from across Canada.

WorkSafe Saskatchewan – Tips for Youth Employers.

WorkSafe BC – Resources for employers and supervisors including a guide to effective young worker education and training.

Queensland Government (Australia) – Resources and other interactive activities.

In Working Order: A Workplace Health & Safety Toolkit for Young Workers, Educators, Employers and Parents.