McGuinty Government Making Summer Jobs Safe For Young Workers

The Ontario Liberal Government today announced that it is Making Summer Jobs Safe For Young Workers.  According to the Press Release:

"Statistics show that workplace injuries to new and young workers are four times more likely to occur during their first month of employment than at any other time," said [Minister of Labour] Peters. "The tip sheets for students will ensure our young people know how to protect themselves, know how to recognize unsafe situations, and know they can say no to unsafe work."

This is a joint initiative with the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board whose Chair says:

"Last year more than 13,000 workers between 15 and 24 were injured in the workplace seriously enough to miss work, and 10 young lives were cut short due to workplace incidents -- that is unacceptable to me," said Steven Mahoney, WSIB Chair.

They will be distributing a tip sheet called Protecting Yourself - Tips for Young Workers to every Ontario student from grades 7 to 12 - over one million in number.

Lat month, the "young worker campaign" was launched by the WSIB.  Check out Prevent-it.ca.

This is a worthy and innovative initiative that is to be commended.