Young and New Workers

A young worker is anyone under 25 years of age.

A new worker can be any age and is defined as anyone who is either new to the workplace, returning after workplace hazards have changed, or relocating to a new workplace with different hazards.

Before a young or new worker begins work, the employer must ensure they receive orientation and training specific to the workplace. Young and new workers may take risks and hesitate to ask questions. Ensuring they receive proper training is essential. The orientation must cover the following topics, as outlined by WorkSafeBC:

• The name and contact information of the worker’s supervisor.
• The legal rights and responsibilities of both the employer and worker.
• Workplace health and safety rules.
• Potential hazards the worker may face at work.
• Procedures for working alone or in isolation, if applicable.
• Policies regarding violence in the workplace.
• The use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• The location of the first aid kit and procedures for summoning first aid, as well as reporting illnesses and injuries.
• Emergency procedures.
• Instruction and demonstration of the worker’s tasks or work processes.
• WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) information relevant to the workplace.
• Contact information for the occupational health and safety committee or the worker health and safety representative, as applicable.

This orientation checklist will help ensure that all legally required items for young or new worker orientation are completed.