Summer job safety

This story was originally titled "Summer Job Safety" in the June 2007 issue. Subscribe to Canadian Living today and never miss an issue!

One in seven young Canadian workers is injured while on the job. Here’s how to make sure your teenager makes it to payday, scratch-free
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• Talk about his new job and go over potential hazards.

• Let him know he should ask for and receive proper training for any equipment, machinery or chemicals he uses, and he has the right to ask questions.

• If he feels unsafe, he should say something to his employer – or to you, if he is too shy.

• He has the right to refuse work if he believes a job is dangerous.

• If an accident does occur, all employees are required to report them to their supervisor.

• Injured employees have the right to medical attention right away. Your teen should know where to find a first-aid kit at the workplace and to ask for help if he becomes injured in any way.

Tip: Watch for signs that a job is taking a toll on your teen. A summer job isn’t worth anxiety, depression or fatigue. For more, visit www.job safecanada.ca.