Posted by Sudbury Northern Life Reporter Janet Gibson
Secondary school students who are harassed by their teachers to
do their homework, their parents to clean up their rooms, and,
in some cases, their bosses to show up on time, got another
reminder last week. Ten young workers get killed on the job
every year in Ontario and - guess what - they could be next.
Three hundred and fifty students, most of them in Grade 10,
were herded into an auditorium at Cambrian College for the
start of the annual Student Safety Expo, the signature event of
Safe Communities Sudbury.
Staring back at them were the faces of 100 young workers whose
photographs had been sewn into a giant quilt called Threads of
Life. One of the dead was 19-year-old Sean Kells, killed the
third day of his part-time job when he poured a flammable
chemical from one ungrounded drum into another.
"Do you want your picture on the quilt?" the students were
asked.
Some employers put a premium on safety. But others aren't aware
of their responsibility when it comes to training young
workers, said Dave Santi of the Ontario Student Safety
Alliance.
Safe Communities member Angela Gray added, "Employers are not
taking advantage of free programs that are available to them."
Ask questions today, the students were told, and don't be
afraid to keep asking them in the world of work.
Did you know?
The Young Worker Awareness Program offers free, two-hour
presentations to secondary school students. Call 705-560-3340
ext. 2306.
The Safe Communities Incentive Program offers a free, 20-hour
course for employers, who are eligible to get a five per cent
rebate on Workplace Safety and Insurance Board premiums. Call
705-521-8324 ext. 226.
Seven tips to keep young workers safe:
1. There are hazards in every workplace. Young and
inexperi  enced workers are especially at risk.
2. What you know can save your life.
3. You have the legal right to protect your health and safety.
4. Your employer, your supervisors and you have
 legal responsibility to make sure the workplace is
healthy and   safe.
5. Your employer and supervisor must ensure you have the
infor-  mation or required training and equipment you
need to protect   yourself.
6. If you are injured or become sick at the workplace, you must
  report it to your supervisor.
7. Don't gamble with your life! No job is worth it.
