Published on: August 07, 2020

Parents are in a unique position to influence how their kids think about safety at work. By talking to your kids about safety when they’re young, and sharing your own knowledge and experiences, your kids will establish safe attitudes and behaviours that will translate to safety at work. Moreover, once they enter the workplace, they will be well equipped to advocate for their own safety in the workplace to prevent accidents and injuries.

Workplace health and safety topics to discuss with your young workers:

• The three health and safety rights of B.C. workers, and how to exercise them
• Requirements and expectations of how employers are to conduct training and orientation
• The process to follow if a workplace injury occurs, no matter how minor the injury may seem
• The importance of trusting your instincts and “listening to your gut” when asked to do something that feels unsafe
• The dangers of working in unfit conditions, such as when tired or under the influence of drugs and alcohol
• COVID-19 protocols that relate to their specific role and industry

Whether your child is a long way from their first job or already a young adult in the workforce, our guide, Keeping your kids safe at work: A guide for parents, will help you start a conversation with your kids about workplace health and safety. Discover tools and tips for talking to your kids, information about the rights of B.C. workers, and common causes of workplace injuries for young workers and how to prevent them.