Ontario Protecting Young And New Workers
May 15, 2009 11:53 AM
McGuinty Government Committed to Eliminating Workplace Injuries
Ontario is working towards a safer workplace for all by focusing on the protection of young and new workers throughout the month of June.
During the blitz, health and safety inspectors will check that young and new workers are being properly trained, supervised and meet minimum age requirements. Inspectors will focus on a wide range of service and manufacturing work sites and review activities like tree planting, landscaping and painting. They will examine personal protective equipment and machinery safeguards, and look for hazards that could cause falls or musculoskeletal disorders.
The blitz is part of the Safe At Work Ontario compliance strategy, announced in July 2008, to reduce workplace injuries. Keeping workers safe means increased productivity for Ontario's economy and less strain on the health care system
QUICK FACTS
- Between 2001 and 2008, young workers aged 15-24 sustained 573 critical injuries, and there were 27 fatalities.
- According to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board, young workers employed in occupations such as sales and service, transport/equipment operators, and labourers in processing, manufacturing and utilities had the highest number of allowed lost-time claims for on-the-job injuries.
- This blitz does not include municipal work sites, farming operations or construction sites.
- In 2007, the average cost (direct and indirect) to employers of a lost-time workplace injury was $106,500.
- Between April 1, 2004, and March 31, 2008, declining rates of lost-time workplace injuries have saved employers more than $5 billion in direct and indirect costs.
LEARN MORE
- The guide to the Occupational Health and Safety Act explains what every worker, supervisor, employer, constructor and workplace owner needs to know about the Act. Almost every workplace in Ontario is covered by the act and regulations.
- Learn about last year’s inspection blitz concerning the safety of young and new workers in the manufacturing and service sectors.
- Young And New Worker Safety Focus Of Inspection Blitz Of Service And Manufacturing Workplaces
- Tip Sheets
CONTACTS
- Bruce Skeaff
Communications Branch
416-326-7405
- Susan McConnell
Minister’s Office
416-326-7710
ontario.ca/labour
"New workers of any age are up to four times more likely to be injured during the first month on the job than at any other time. Ontario is committed to eliminating workplace injuries. All workers have the right to come home from work each day to their families, safe and sound."
– Peter Fonseca
Minister of Labour
Communities
