Young and 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 have tools and resources that can help reduce the risk. Our Student WorkSafe, Young Worker Speakers Program, 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 orientation for young and new workers.

Publication Date: Oct 2015

PDF Guide

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Getting a Job? Ask Questions About Safety

Created with assistance from members of the Young Worker Advisory Group, this brochure provides young and new workers with useful tips about how to address concerns about safety in the workplace.

Publication Date: Jun 2017

PDF Information Sheet

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Young Workers: Exposure to Workplace Hazards Might Be Making You Sick...You Just Don't Know It Yet

Whether you work in a retail store, a restaurant, an office, or a manufacturing plant, you could be exposed to hazardous materials in the air you breathe, in the chemicals or cleaners you use, and sometimes...

Publication Date: Jun 2014

PDF Pamphlet

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