British Columbia Federation of Labour

Young workers are at the front of the line when it comes to workplace vulnerability. One-third of workplace injuries reported are from young workers.

The lack of empowerment that young workers feel in their jobs is often one of the reasons why these workers are at such a high risk of injury and death on the job.

Since 2003 the Centre has offered workshops to young workers in high schools and employment programs in communities across the province, and there have been over 40 young workers from various affiliates trained to deliver these interactive workshops.

The Centre has spoken to over 50,000 high school students in over 25 communities across BC. Here’s what they say:

"It was informative, but in a creative way. They spoke to us as equals not as children." Age 16, Queen Elizabeth Secondary

"Fun, entertaining and educational." Age 18, Terry Fox Secondary

"Informative, teenager friendly, fun and makes you think." Age 15, Prince of Wales

Students learn about their rights under the Workers Compensation Act and OH&S Regulations and how to exercise their rights on the job. The workshop will also expose students to roles and responsibilities of the employer, supervisor and workers by using real life case studies.

For sessions in your high school please contact the Health & Safety Centre.