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Resources for Young Workers by Group - Unions
The following links list tools, publications, and other resources to help prevent young worker injuries and illnesses. These resources may not meet all the requirements for health and safety in British Columbia. Please check the Workers Compensation Act, the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, and related materials for specific WorkSafeBC requirements.
If you have any questions please E-mail us at or phone 604-276-3100 in the Lower Mainland, or toll-free in British Columbia at 1-888-621-7233 (621-SAFE).
Amendments to Part 3 of the OHS Regulation - Orientation and Training of Young and New Workers
These amendments come into effect on July 26, 2007 and describe orientation and training requirements for young and new workers. Documents and links in this section will provide you with more information about the new Regulation, along with some useful tools to help your business implement the new Regulation.
Regulation Part 3
Guideline Part 3
Additional Resources
Backgrounder for Employers (PDF 141 KB)
Sample Orientation Checklist (PDF 39 KB) Also includes a "how to" section, and suggested additional topics to cover.
Sample Orientation Checklist A Word document you can easily adapt while creating a checklist specific to your worksite.
Frequently asked questions: New and Young Worker Orientation and Training Requirements
The Employers' Advisers Office is offering free seminars province-wide on the Young and New Worker Orientation and Training Regulation.
Source: WorkSafeBC 
3 Steps to Effective Worker Education and Training BK42 
Designed for employers and supervisors, this guide offers a three-step framework based on orientation, education, and training new and young workers to be safe on the job.
Source: WorkSafeBC
* PDF (680 KB)
* Available in print from Publications, Videos and Forms Distribution.
Be a Survivor Magazine
New Version of this full colour 8-page magazine features useful tips and articles on young worker safety. It's a great resource for youth and anyone who comes into contact with youth such as parents, educators, employers, labour and community groups.Source: WorkSafeBC
* PDF (167 KB)
* Available in print format from Publications, Videos and Forms Distributions.
Young Worker Videos
The Supervisor
This video is a documentary-drama that examines issues related to supervisor responsibility for workplace health and safety. The video graphically depicts the emotional, legal, and financial consequences of a fictionalized workplace accident that leads to the death of a young worker.
- View video clip
- Download the video
- Discussion guide (PDF 209 KB)
- Order a copy of the video
The Workplace: Youth at Risk (2005)
A video featuring the dramatic stories of five injured young workers and their parents whose lives have been forever altered by a workplace accident. This updated version features a new introduction by Dave Anderson, WorkSafeBC President and CEO, as well as some new footage of Lauren Barwick, a dressage rider paralyzed in a workplace accident. The video was produced jointly by Shaw Cablesystems and WorkSafeBC.
- View video clip
- Order a copy of the video
Lost Youth Video-Four Stories of Injured Young Workers
Michael, Jennifer, John, and Nick all speak of losing their youth after suffering serious workplace accidents. Through dramatic recreations of these accidents and one-on-one discusssions with the young people and their parents. Lost Youth tells four stories of lives forever altered.
- View video clip
- Download the video (edited version)
- Download the video (full version) This video contains language that may be offensive to some, viewer discretion is advised.
- Discussion guide (PDF 129 KB)
- Order a copy of the video
Joe Who?
Young workers are often hard to reach, especially when it comes to workplace safety. Joe Who? is a valuable tool, giving young people a voice to speak to each other about the tragic consequences of workplace injuries, The play was written and performed by students from Matthew McNair Secondary School in Richmond. It offers a unique perspective on the challenges experienced by young workers in B.C.
- View video clip
- Video script (PDF 91 KB)
- Director's notes (PDF 47 KB)
- Discussion guide (PDF 227 KB)
- Order a copy of the video or CD-ROM.
Industry Presentation
To help keep young workers safe, WorkSafeBC has created a Resource Kit. Originally developed for B.C.'s secondary school Parent Advisory Councils, the resource is now available to employers, unions, youth groups, church groups and sports and community groups - anyone who has a parental role and the opportunity to reach B.C.'s young people.
This online kit includes everything you or your organization needs to give a presentation on young worker safety:
- View the Young Worker Safety - Important facts and tips slide presentation or download the presentation (zipped MS PowerPoint file 129 KB) and present it at a meeting or workshop.
- Brochure Is Your Child Safe at Work? (PDF 325 KB)
- Information bulletins for unions, employers, supervisors, parents, youth, community groups and educators.
- Profiles of injured young workers
- Lost Youth: Four Stories of Injured Workers, a dramatic video showing the consequences of a serious workplace injury and a discussion guide (PDF 129KB) for the video.
Young Workers - They're worth your attention
A series of information sheets providing overview of injuries to young workers in your industry, tips on how to keep them safe on the job, and WorkSafeBC resources focusing on your worker safety.
- Retail (PDF 308 KB)
- Hospitality (PDF 309 KB)
- Construction (PDF 309 KB)
- Manufacturing (PDF 318 KB)
- Forestry (PDF 308 KB)
Information Bulletin for Unions
Employers are responsible for providing a safe work environment for all workers. Your union can advocate to ensure young workers' rights are upheld in the workplace.
Source: WorkSafeBC
* PDF (25 KB)
Three steps to effective worker education and training
Designed for employers and supervisors, this guide offers a three-step framework based on orientation, education, and training new and young workers to be safe on the job.
Source: WorkSafeBC
* PDF (739 KB)
* Available in print from Publications, Videos, and Forms Distribution.
Worker Orientation Checklist
Use this checklist when training young and new workers on health and safety in your workplace.
Source: WorkSafeBC
* PDF (299 KB)
Protecting Young Workers: Focus Report-2001
This report provides information on the scope and causes of young workers' injuries. This report describes how WorkSafeBC, educators, employers, parents, and young workers can contribute their unique expertise and influence in reducing workplace hazards.
Source: WorkSafeBC
* PDF (12 MB)
* Available in print from Publications, Videos and Forms Distribution.
Safety on the Job is Everyone's Business: The Responsibilities of Employers, Supervisors and Workers
All new workers need training in equipment use and safe work procedures. This pamphlet covers the basics in training new workers. Employer, supervisor, and worker responsibilities for developing and maintaining a safe workplace are outlined.
Source: WorkSafeBC
* PDF (120 KB)
* Available in print from Publications, Videos and Forms Distribution.
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