CNESST launches new safety campaign for young workers
Tashi Farmilo
In a significant effort to enhance workplace safety for young employees, the Commission for Standards, Equity, Health and Safety at Work (CNESST) has launched a new advertising campaign titled “When you don't know it, you don’t know.” This initiative aims to foster open communication between employers and their younger staff to mitigate risks and heighten safety awareness.
Young workers, who are essential to the functioning of many businesses, are frequently exposed to higher risks of workplace accidents. Each year, nearly 30 Quebecers aged 24 and under sustain injuries on the job daily. The period immediately after being hired is particularly perilous, with the highest incidence of workplace injuries occurring during these initial weeks. The high job mobility among young people further exacerbates their vulnerability, as they often navigate unfamiliar work environments and procedures.
Moreover, the nature of jobs typically held by young workers often involves physically demanding tasks and repetitive movements, coupled with organizational constraints such as irregular hours and night shifts. These conditions significantly contribute to the increased risk of occupational injuries and illnesses among this demographic.
The CNESST's campaign, aimed at addressing these challenges, will disseminate prevention messages until June 23 and again from December 2 to December 15. Employers will be targeted through radio broadcasts and digital newspapers, while young people will be reached via popular digital platforms like Snapchat and YouTube.
Central to the campaign is the emphasis on the rights of young workers, particularly those who are new to their roles or undertaking new tasks. They are entitled to be informed about workplace risks, receive comprehensive training in occupational health and safety, and be supervised to ensure they can perform their duties safely. The campaign encourages young workers to actively engage with their employers, asking questions to ensure their work environment is both healthy and safe.
In the event of a workplace accident, regardless of its severity, workers are urged to report it immediately to their employer or a designated representative. This prompt reporting enables the implementation of preventive measures to avert future incidents.
The campaign also underscores that occupational health and safety is a collective responsibility. Employers are obligated to provide adequate information, training, and supervision concerning workplace risks. They must also identify, correct, and control risks within the workplace, ensuring that facilities are organized to safeguard the health and safety of their workers. Additionally, the organization of work, along with the methods and techniques employed, must be designed to prevent harm.
Photo caption: The CNESST has launched a new campaign titled “When you don't know it, you don’t know,” aimed at enhancing workplace safety for young workers by promoting better communication and awareness of risks between employers and employees, featuring YouTube content such as the "SOS Patron!" video by Douaa, @theonlydouaa.
Photo credit: Screenshot of YouTube video
