Young & new workers

Workers of all ages can be injured at work, but young and new workers may be more at risk. Injuries can result from inadequate training, orientation, and supervision; inexperience; and lack of awareness of workplace rights and responsibilities. Whatever your role, we have tools and resources that can help reduce the risk. Our Student WorkSafe resources and student safety video contest are also available to help empower youth to be healthy and safe at work.

Definition of young and new workers
The risks

Related resources

Definition of young and new workers

The Occupational Health and Safety Regulation defines a "young worker" as any worker under age 25. A "new worker" can be any age and includes those who are new to the workplace or location, or facing new hazards.

The risks

Typical reasons why young and new workers are injured include:

Inexperience
Lack of training, orientation, and supervision
Lack of understanding of their workplace
Lack of preparation for the workplace
Exposure to more dangerous jobs
Hesitancy to ask questions

Related resources

Support for employers: Training and orientation for young and new workers

Training and orienting young and new workers is a regulatory requirement and is part of your overall health and safety program. If you’re an employer, supervisor, or trainer, you can use this...

Publication Date: Mar 2021

PDF Guide

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Young and New Worker Orientation Checklist

If you’re an employer, supervisor, or trainer, you can use this checklist as part of your workplace orientation program for new and young workers. The checklist is provided in a modifiable Word...

Publication Date: Mar 2021

Word Checklist

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Staying safe at work

Written for people who are new to Canada, this pamphlet outlines workers’ health and safety rights. It also describes the role of WorkSafeBC and the steps workers need to take if they are injured on...

Publication Date: Jun 2021

PDF Guide

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