November 7, 2012, is Take Our Kids to Work Day, an opportunity for Grade Nine students to share a work experience with their parent, to gain a greater understanding of the skills required to succeed in today’s workplace, and to start thinking about their own career options. The Workers Compensation Board (WCB) would like to remind Island parents that it is also the ideal time to initiate a conversation about workplace safety. 

“Instilling safe work habits early in life can help to protect our next generation of workers and employers,” said Nancy Guptill, Workers Compensation Board Chair.  “What could be more important than making sure our children make it home safe each day?”

The workplace can be intimidating for young workers who are trying hard to fit in, to please their supervisors, and to get their work done. They may be inexperienced in recognizing safety hazards, or feel reluctant to speak up at work about their safety.  Parents can contribute to their child’s future by opening a dialogue now about the importance of workplace safety.

The WCB suggests the following conversation starters for parents on Take Our Kids to Work Day, or for any day of the year:

• Identify some of the hazards in your workplace, and what you do to work safely.  Your child may be surprised to learn that hazards exist in every workplace.
• Explain to your child what you would do if you encountered an unsafe situation at work. 
• Remind your young worker that everyone has workplace safety rights, including:
  • the right to know about any potential hazards on the job and how to stay safe at work,
  • the right to participate in decision making about workplace safety, and in resolving safety issues at work, and 
  • the right to refuse unsafe or dangerous work.
• Reinforce the importance of speaking up for safety at work, to ensure your young workers take ownership of their health and safety, and have the training, protective equipment and support they need.

For more information about workplace safety, and to download a Work Out Loud brochure to share with the young workers in your life, visit www.wcb.pe.ca or contact the WCB Youth Education Consultant, Clare Waddell at 368-6357 or 1-800-237-5049.