-- 3,500 Young Workers Hurt in Nova Scotia Last Year --

HALIFAX, NS – June 28, 2012 – As the school year comes to an end, thousands of young Nova Scotians are getting ready to start summer jobs. Unfortunately, many of them face the risk of workplace injury.

Young workers (under age 25) are more likely to get injured at work than any other age group. In 2011, about 3,500 young workers were hurt on the job in Nova Scotia. Of those, about 650 young workers suffered injuries that were serious enough to result in time lost from work.

 “Parents, employers, teachers and others should take special care to talk to young workers about safety as they begin summer jobs,” said Stuart MacLean, CEO of the Workers’ Compensation Board of Nova Scotia (WCB).  “The WCB can provide resources to support these conversations so that young Nova Scotians begin their working lives in a safe and positive way.”

Overall, Nova Scotia has seen significant progress in the reduction in workplace injuries. Serious injuries are down 27 per cent since 2005. While the number of young workers injured has seen similar improvement over that time, young workers are particularly at risk when it comes to a workplace injury. They often lack experience and may not have the necessary information or confidence to speak up if they encounter dangerous conditions in the workplace.

“While Nova Scotia workplaces are becoming safer, young people are still experiencing high rates of injury. There are so many ways to discuss safety with young people, and to help them understand that they have the right and the responsibility to speak up about their personal safety at work,” said MacLean.

As part of its ongoing effort to create a safety culture in Nova Scotia, the WCB continues to take the young worker safety message deeper into the province’s workplaces and communities. This includes offering safety resources to young workers and employers as well as a developing a social marketing campaign that encourages workers, employers, educators and parents to talk about workplace safety.

The campaign includes street teams at workplaces and community events, a website and social media, and advertising all aimed at starting the conversation about workplace safety. The campaign will run into the fall.

“It’s not enough for young workers to just know about workplace safety.  We need to get them to care about it,” said MacLean.  “By reaching young people as they enter the workforce, not only can we keep them safe this summer. We can also help them become safe workers for their entire lives.”

Young worker safety information and resources can be found at www.somanyways.ca, www.worksafeforlife.ca, follow @nsyoungworkers on Twitter or visit Facebook.com/NSYoungWorkers.

Young Worker Safety - Background Information

About the WCB

The Workers’ Compensation Board of Nova Scotia (WCB) is committed to keeping Nova Scotians safe and secure from workplace injury. The WCB provides workplace injury insurance for more than 18,000 employers, representing about 300,000 workers across the province. The WCB sets the standard for workplace injury insurance by informing and inspiring Nova Scotians in the prevention of workplace injury. If an injury occurs, we support those whose lives it touches by championing a timely return to safe and healthy work.

For more information, please contact:

Julie Trites, Communications Advisor
Workers’ Compensation Board of NS
902.491.8110
Julie.trites@wcb.gov.ns.ca