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Some work experiences shouldn’t last a lifetime
In 2009, more than 6,900 young workers were injured on the job and six died as a result.
Young workers are most at risk of being injured when they are new to their jobs: 55 percent of all serious injuries—like amputations, and head and spinal cord injuries—occur during the first six months of employment. It’s a heavy cost for anyone to pay, never mind a young person.
Young worker facts and figures
- Workers between the ages of 15 and 24 are classified as young workers.
- Young males comprise over 70% of all young worker injuries, compared to almost 30% for young females.
- Sectors with the highest risk for serious injuries for young workers are: construction and service, retail, and manufacturing.
- Young workers experience the greatest number of time-loss claims due to being struck by or against objects, overexertion, and falls.
The good news is that the injury rate for young workers today is 30% lower than it was 10 years ago, but there is still much that employers, co-workers, parents, teachers, and the young workers themselves can do to make sure everyone gets home safely at the end of the each work day.
| Top injury types* Young workers (15-24 year olds), 2000 - 2009 | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Strains (other than back) | 25,467 |
| 2 | Back strains | 18,743 |
| 3 | Cuts | 18,141 |
| 4 | Crush, bruising | 12,936 |
| 5 | Other injury | 6,675 |
| 6 | Dislocations, fractures | 5,924 |
| 7 | Tendonitis, related | 3,599 |
| 8 | Scratches, abrasions | 2,627 |
| 9 | Other disease | 1,591 |
| 10 | Chemical burn (includes dermatitis) | 978 |
| 11 | Hearing loss | 51 |
| 12 | Multiple injuries | 42 |
| * Includes all accepted long-term disability, short-term disability, and fatal claims. Does not include health-care only (no wage loss) claims. | ||
If you are considering doing a story on young workers…
WorkSafeBC media relations can provide resources, statistics, and subject matter experts on young workers, occupational health and safety, and campaigns and initiatives to raise awareness among young workers of their workplace safety rights.
For more information on this or other topics, please contact:
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Megan Johnston |
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