Young Workers Face Increased Risk on the Job

With summer around the corner, many British Columbian youth are about to enter the workforce — often for the first time. Work Safe BC is urging employers to take this seasonal influx seriously by ensuring that young and new workers receive the proper orientation and safety training before they begin their roles.

“Young workers are highly vulnerable to workplace injuries,”

said Angelique Prince, director of prevention programs and services at Work Safe BC. Inexperience, inadequate supervision, and unfamiliarity with job hazards all contribute to this vulnerability — especially when workers don’t feel comfortable speaking up about safety.

Injury Statistics Highlight the Need for Vigilance

Every year in B. C., nearly 7,000 young workers are injured on the job, with serious injuries holding steady at approximately 800 annually. Over the past five years, 34 young workers have died from workplace incidents — a tragic reminder of the stakes.

In 2024, most injuries occurred in the service sector (1,282 claims), followed by construction (1,063 claims) and retail (492 claims), underscoring the importance of safety protocols in these high-risk environments.

Employer Duties Go Beyond Orientation

Under B. C. law, employers are responsible for providing a complete safety orientation tailored to each worker’s role and jobsite conditions before work begins. This training must be regularly updated when procedures, equipment, or job sites change.

Equally important is making sure young workers understand their rights — especially their right to refuse unsafe work. Ongoing supervision and communication are critical to helping new employees feel safe and supported.

Creative Campaign Encourages Youth to Speak Up

Work Safe BC also engages directly with young people through initiatives like its annual student safety video contest. This year’s theme, Show up, speak up for safety , encouraged students to explore the challenges of speaking out on job safety — and how to overcome them. The winning videos are available to view at worksafebc.com.

The organization’s Student Work Safe modules are another key resource, aimed at educating young people — particularly high school students — about workplace hazards, safety rights, and responsibilities before they even start working.

As summer hiring begins, both employers and workers have a role to play in preventing injuries — but it’s up to employers to lead the way. Proper training, oversight, and an open culture of safety could make all the difference.

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