Young Workers

DID YOU KNOW … all jobs have potential safety hazards!  That’s right – EVERY job!!!

The best way to stay safe is to ask lots of questions.

The Young Workers Readiness Certificate Course is required if you are 14 or 15 years old and want to work in Saskatchewan.  If you’re older than that … it’s still a good idea and looks great on a résumé!  Click here to find out more.

DID YOU KNOW … as a worker you have three rights?

Your rights are:

1.  The right to know about the hazards you may be exposed to.

This means your trainer (might be your supervisor or boss) must tell you which jobs might be dangerous and how to work safely to avoid getting hurt.

2.  The right to participate in health and safety.

This means you can tell your boss when you see something dangerous and you can offer suggestions on how to make it better.

3.  The right to refuse unusually dangerous work.

This means you can refuse to do a job that would put you in danger. 

Can I refuse to clean the bathroom because it’s disgusting?

No – you cannot refuse work that you don’t want to do.

Can I refuse to clean the bathroom because I’ve never cleaned a bathroom before?

Yes – you can refuse work you haven’t been shown how to do.  Once you have been shown how to clean the bathroom safely and properly, you cannot refuse.

Can they fire me if I refuse?

No – your supervisor or boss must take the time to show you how to do the job safely.  If the job can’t be done safely, they must find a different way to do it.

DID YOU KNOW … as a worker, you also have responsibilities?

Your responsibilities are:

  1. Stop and ask if you don’t know how to do the job safely or properly.
  2. Work safely
  3. Do your job the best you can
  4. Respect others in the workplace – co-workers, supervisors/bosses, managers, customers
  5. Report anything unsafe to your supervisor or boss
  6. Report to your supervisor or boss if you have been injured on the job
  7. Show up on time and ready to work (not tired, hungover, or distracted)

Questions to Ask Before Accepting a Job:

  1. Is health and safety included in your orientation?
  2. What kind of training will I receive?
  3. How many injuries happened here last year?

If they answer this openly – that’s a positive sign.  If they try to avoid – it’s probably not a good place to work.

Questions to Ask your Boss on Your First Day at Work:

  1. What are the dangers of my job?
  2. Who will be training me? Who will be training me in job safety?
  3. Is there any safety gear I will be expected to wear? Who will train me in how to use it?
  4. What are my health and safety responsibilities?
  5. Who do I ask if I have a health and safety question?
  6. What are the emergency procedures and where is the emergency equipment?
  7. What do I do if I or a co-worker gets hurt? First Aid? WCB?

These questions are taken from the Alberta Workers’ Health Centre.

Other Stuff to Check Out

“Safety’s got nothing to do with me…has it?” – Your brain is immature!  Check out this page to find out how this may affect your ability to work safely.

Safe Workers of Tomorrow (Manitoba) – Resources including a printable booklet and quiz.  See if you know how to work safe!

Canadian Centre for OH&S – Safety information, tips to help you find a job, and special information about volunteering.

WorkSafe Saskatchewan – How to stay safe on the job, including your rights and responsibilities.

WorkSafe BC – Videos and other guides to help you work safe.

Queensland Government (Australia) – includes a Choose Your Own Adventure story!

SHSA Youth Information Sheet – Ready to work program