Health and Safety
Important information related to Summer Work Experience
Are you in danger?
This summer, thousands of students across Canada will become employed in small and medium-sized businesses and in institutions such as hospitals and schools. Some will be ambassadors at community festivals, while others will create Web pages for local businesses. Entrepreneurial youth will create their own jobs or volunteer to help on hundreds of community projects.
It is important for young Canadians to be aware of health and safety in the workplace, especially as they begin their summer jobs. Both employers and employees have responsibilities when it comes to health and safety in the workplace.
Why is health and safety awareness important?
- It could save your life!
- It could prevent you from getting injured.
- Something tragic could happen to you, even on your first day of work.
- You need to be aware of the potential hazards in the workplace.
- You need to help others become aware.
- You need to know what protection and compensation is available to you.
- Proper training is vital for your safety.
Myths & Realities
| Myths |
Realities |
| 1. I can take risks. I won't die. |
1. In 2004, 107 workers between 15 and 29 died in the workplace in Canada. |
| 2. I can handle anything. I'm young and fit. |
2. Close to one third of all occupational injuries happen to workers between the ages of 15 and 29. |
| 3. Nothing will happen to me. I'm safe at work. |
3. More people are injured on the job than in traffic accidents. |
| 4. I must do any job my employer tells me to do. |
4. You have the right to refuse unsafe work. |
| 5. I am not responsible for workplace safety. This is my employer's responsibility. |
5. You are responsible for knowing and complying with all workplace regulations. |
You have three fundamental rights
- The right to know
- The right to participate
- The right to refuse unsafe work
Employer and employee responsibilities
Source: Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) at www.ccohs.ca
Employer's responsibilities
- Provide a safe and healthy workplace.
- Train employees on potential hazards and ensure employees have required certification.
- Correct unsafe acts and unsafe conditions.
- Ensure personal protective equipment is available and is being used.
- Report and investigate all accidents and incidents.
Employee's responsibilities
- Know and comply with all regulations.
- Protect yourself, your co-workers and members of the public who may be affected by your actions.
- Report unsafe acts and unsafe conditions to your employer.
- Use personal protective equipment as required by the employer.
- Report any accident, incident or illness immediately to your employer.
Observation, learning and experience are key to recognizing potential safety hazards in the workplace!
Health and safety national and regional information
For additional information, call 1 800 O-CANADA, or browse through our collection of national and regional health and safety information.
We would like to thank the CCOHS for its assistance in gathering this information. For information concerning Health and Safety Week, which will take place from May 6 to May 12, 2007, visit www.naosh.org/english.
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