Ontario Taking Action to Protect Young Workers

Ontario Taking Action to Protect Young Workers

– Toronto, ON

As young people across Ontario start looking for summer jobs, Ontario is launching several initiatives to protect young workers in seasonal, part-time or temporary employment.

Workers that are new to their job, including young workers, are three times more likely to be injured in the first month than at any time. They are also at greater risk of having their employment standards rights violated, such as those involving unpaid wages or hours of work.

The Ministry of Labour’s initiatives include:

•Launching two province-wide inspection blitzes on health and safety and employment standards, focusing on protecting young workers throughout the summer
•Promoting “It’s Your Job,” a province-wide online video contest encouraging young workers to speak out about their workplace rights
•Supporting “Bring Safety Home,” a Workplace Safety & Prevention Services campaign targeting parents and other networks of young people
•Supporting the creation of #safe4life, a youth-driven digital media campaign by Parachute Canada

Protecting young workers is part of the government’s continued commitment to prevent workplace injuries and illness through its Safe At Work Ontario enforcement initiative.

“Our youth are our future, and as such, we must ensure that we do our utmost to protect them. We need to do what we can to make sure that young workers are treated fairly at work, and are able to come home safe and sound to their families after their shifts.” Kevin Flynn, Minister of Labour.

“All injuries at the workplace are preventable. Everyone – employers, supervisors, parents, workers – has a role to play to ensure that our youth are healthy and safe, and that they know their rights and responsibilities at work.” George Gritziotis, Chief Prevention Officer.

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