Is Your Child Safe at Work?

Hard to believe it, isn't it? Your child is marching off to work. Maybe it's a part time job, an after school thing – or maybe it's a summer job, or their first full time position. They're excited about earning some real money of their own, and you're proud that they're stepping out into the real world. But you might also be a bit worried. What if their job requires that they work with heavy equipment, hot grease, toxic chemicals or fast-moving equipment? What if they need to work at a height, or on a boat, in a trench, or with dangerous tools? It could keep you awake at night, that's for sure.

You're not powerless in this new experience, though. You play a vital role in ensuring your child's safety at work. Here are a few suggestions that will help you guide your children safely through those first days, when they know the least about their job and are the most anxious to please their new employer.

• Remind your child that they can come to you for help if they have a concern about their safety at work. They might be more likely to discuss the issues they're worried about with you, even if they aren't comfortable talking about them with their supervisor.
• Encourage your child to be confident about asking questions and asserting their rights at work. If they know you're in their corner, they'll have a head start at getting what they need to be safe at work.
• Ask them questions. This is critical. When your child starts a new job, they might not be aware of the safety training they're supposed to get. Asking your child some specific questions after their first few days at work will get them thinking.
• If your child isn't getting the training they need, or if they're worried they might be injured at work, help put them in touch with WorkSafeNB, or make the call together (1 800 222-9775).
• Consider Safety Start. Safety Start is a 2-day program that includes general occupational health and safety and emergency first aid training. It's free for all youth aged 15-29. For information on the Safety Start program, click here.
• Please note: The Safety Start program is an excellent introduction to occupational health and safety. It does not, however, replace the need for safety training specific to your child's job, which is a requirement of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

 

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