After car accidents, the leading causes of death among young people are machine injuries and electrocutions. Many of these tragedies could easily have been avoided if a few basic safety rules had been followed, and if the employer had adequately trained the new employee to recognize potentially dangerous situations.

Unfortunately, young workers are often so intent on impressing a potential employer at a job interview that they often neglect to ask about workplace safety or job training. Many young workers are unaware of the inherent risks associated with their new job. Some may claim to understand the safety instructions they are given when they really don't in order to please the trainer.

If you're working - part-time or full-time - and you're between 15 and 24 years of age, then you are considered to be a young worker.

The research revealed consistent themes why young workers are injured. These include:

• Inexperience and lack of training
  
  
• Lack of confidence or understanding of their rights as workers
  
  
• Lack of preparation for the workplace
  
  
• Asked to do more dangerous jobs
  
  
• Sense of youthful invincibility
  
  
• Unwillingness to ask questions
  
  
• Distracted - thinking of other things happening in their lives, i.e. homework, socializing, that new car, etc.
  
  
• Pace of work

You can help make sure of your own safety by knowing what to look for when entering a new or different work situation, and by knowing what questions to ask your potential or present employer. The Workers' Compensation Board encourages young workers to take the initiative and protect themselves by asking their employer the following questions:

• What are the dangers of my job?
  
  
• Are there any hazards (noise, chemicals, radiation) that I should know about?
  
  
• Will I receive job safety training? When?
  
  
• Is there any safety gear that I'll be expected to wear? Will I receive training in how to use it?
  
  
• Will I be trained in emergency procedures (fire, chemical spill?) When?
  
  
• Where are fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and other emergency equipment located?
  
  
• What are my health and safety responsibilities?
  
  
• Who do I ask if I have a safety question?
  
  
• Do you have safety meetings?
  
  
• WHMIS- Workplace Hazardous Material Information System
  
  
• KNOW YOUR RIGHTS- You have 3 of them!
  • Right to Know
    
    
  • Right to Participate
    
    
  • Right to refuse Unsafe Work

You have the right to know about unsafe materials and/or dangerous machinery in your workplace. You must be on the lookout for hazards present on your worksite, and should be taught how these hazards can affect you and your co-workers. The first step is to get proper health and safety training, including learning how to identify workplace hazards and knowing the proper course of action when there is an accident or spill.

You should report any unsafe practices or conditions you see. For example, if you notice that an electrical power cord is frayed, notify your supervisor as soon as possible to fix it before an accident or fatality occurs. In Canada, there are many workplaces, which have committees devoted to health and safety. Learn who you can get help from if you have questions about the safety of your working conditions.

You have the right to refuse unsafe work. If you think that the work you do or the piece of equipment you use is unsafe, you can stop this work immediately by citing your legal right to refuse unsafe work. Once you refuse to continue, procedures exist for rectifying the situation. Contact your supervisor or health and safety representative to find out how to correct the unsafe situation. Don't continue to work until you have been advised that the situation has been corrected.

• At your interview, keep an eye out for signs that the employer takes safety seriously (e.g., warning signs in hazardous areas, employees wearing protective equipment, safety posters).
  
  
• If you aren't given one, ask for a copy of the safety rules.
  
  
• Ask experienced employees, during training, about safety hazards.
  
  
• To find out more information about a chemical, write down the product name from the label along with the name of the manufacturer or supplier, and then look up the MSDS.
  
  
• Learn how to recognize the WHMIS hazards symbols and know what they mean.
  
  
• Know how to wear your personal protective equipment properly.
  
  
• Follow all safety precautions.
  
  
• Notify your supervisor if you experience any symptoms, such as headache, dizziness, irritation in your throat or eyes, or skin rashes, that might indicate that you are being overexposed to a chemical.

The ability to recognize potential hazards in the workplace requires common sense, but also observation, learning and experience. REMEMBER: If there is any doubt in your mind as to the safety of the materials you are handling or the duties of your employment, you have the right and the responsibility to bring your concerns to your supervisor's attention. Ultimately, all employees, including students, have the right to refuse to do work that is unsafe, and employers cannot fire anyone for exercising this right.

Here are four things you can do to protect yourself at work.

1. ASK QUESTIONS
   • Of your boss
     If you don't know, aren't sure or simply want to know more, then ASK someone. There is no such thing as a dumb question, especially when you're asking how to do a job that you've never done before. ASK until you're out of questions to ensure you are totally clear on the task that needs to be done and how to do it.
     
     
   • Of yourself
     • Do I really know how to do this? Do I know what to do if...? If the answer is no, ask your boss.
       
       
     • Is this a term or condition of my employment? Does my boss require my written agreement before I work these hours? If you don't know the answer, consult the ESA and ask your boss.
       
       
   • Of others
     Ask the health and safety committee member about the work, ask your parents or others in your household who have worked at similar jobs or make a call to a health and safety association, the union office (if there's a union), the Ministry of Labour or others.
   
   
   
2. GET INFORMED
   BEFORE starting a new job or a new assignment at the same job, use a mental checklist and ask yourself these questions.
   • Do I know everything I need to know to recognize, assess and take control of hazards (as a worker) in this workplace or doing this task?
     
     
   • Do I know whether I am getting at least minimum wage, and how many hours rest free from work I will receive each day and each week?
     
     
   • Do I know what I should be paid, the hours I can be required to work and whether I have to work on Sundays and Public Holidays?
     
     
   • Do I know how to do this work safely?
     
     
   • Have I been trained?
     
     
   • Do I have everything I need to do the job safely?
     
     
   • Are the tools I've been given appropriate and in good condition?
     
     
   • Do I have the right personal protective equipment and does it fit? Do I know how to use it? Is it in good shape?
     
     
   • Where is the supervisor located in case I have a question?
   
   
   
3. FOLLOW THE RULES
   • The government creates laws to protect you and the employer provides you with workplace policies and procedures you must follow.
     
     
   • Do not fool around. Horseplay at work may seem like fun for some people, but it can be extremely dangerous and it's against the law. When you're at work, many of the rules are in place to protect you and others from injury and potential death.
     
     
4. SAY NO. IT'S OKAY IT'S YOUR RIGHT
   • If you have tried to solve a health and safety concern by asking questions or if you don't have the health and safety training you need, or if something has just happened and you are concerned that it's not safe, you must tell your supervisor immediately. If he or she cannot or does not solve the problem, then it's okay to say "no" to the unsafe work. In fact, by law you have the right to refuse work that you deem to be unsafe.