Province Reminds Young Workers to Work Safely this Summer
Nova Scotians, especially young workers, are reminded to take proper precautions at work and continue to make safety a top priority on the job this summer and all year-round.
“This can be a safe summer for all workers if employers and co-workers take the time to teach new and young workers safe practices, make safety part of everyday conversation and stop someone if they see them doing something unsafe,” said Jill Balser, Minister of Labour, Skills and Immigration. “Young workers are keen to gain more experience but may not know what is unsafe, so we encourage them to ask questions, learn and practise proper workplace safety measures and make sure they know their rights.”
For example, during the hot days of summer, people who work outside should be mindful of the signs of heat stress and take measures to prevent it.
To reduce the chance of heat stress and exhaustion, employers should provide a cool place to rest and introduce work/rest practices during extreme heat and humidity. Workers should try to limit direct exposure to the sun during the hottest parts of the day, consume plenty of liquids and wear appropriate loose clothing.
Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, workers on job sites should always be aware that they have the right to:
- know about health and safety matters
- participate in decisions that could affect their health and safety
- refuse work that could affect their health and safety and that of others.
Workplace safety is a shared responsibility and everyone has a role in keeping workplaces safe and fair. Workers are encouraged to call the Department’s workplace and technical safety information services line at 1-800-9LABOUR if they see unsafe practices on the job, to report safety concerns seen in public related to technical equipment like elevators or cranes, or have questions about general workplace safety.
Quick Facts:
- heat stress symptoms can include itchy red skin, painful muscle cramps, fainting, headache, confusion, nausea, vomiting, not sweating (hot, dry skin), high body temperature, confusion or convulsions
- employers and supervisors are required to point out potential dangers and how employees can stay safe, show employees how to safely use equipment and provide other types of training and information that helps to prevent injury
- workers have the responsibility to work safety, follow safe work guidelines, use machinery and equipment properly and report any unsafe acts or conditions
Additional Resources:
Safety Tips for Young Workers: https://www.worksafeforlife.ca/youngworkers
1-800-9LABOUR: Workplace and technical safety information services: https://novascotia.ca/workplace-and-technical-safety/
Health and Safety Guide for New Retail Workers: https://novascotia.ca/lae/healthandsafety/docs/OHSGuideNewRetailWorkers.pdf