Minister Leitch challenges young Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to become workplace health and safety leaders Français
ST. JOHN'S, March 17, 2015 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women, addressed students of the College of the North Atlantic, some of whom are studying to become health and safety professionals.
The Minister spoke about the need to educate and empower youth so they can protect themselves on the job and become workplace health and safety champions, noting that youth face a greater risk of workplace injury than older workers. The Minister also met with a group of students to get their views on workplace health and safety challenges faced by young people, such as fear of speaking up and lack of experience. The importance of reducing the stigma around mental health issues in the workplace was also discussed.
For the Government of Canada, the health and safety of Canadian workers is paramount to ensuring workplaces are safe, fair and productive. The Labour Program promotes health and safety in federally regulated workplaces by raising awareness of the importance of injury prevention and by ensuring employer compliance with the Canada Labour Code.
Quick Facts
- In 2013 alone, over 30,000 Canadian workers aged 15 to 24 were injured seriously enough to require time off.
- Between 2005 and 2011, the injury rate among young workers declined by 8 percent in federally regulated workplaces. While the decline in injuries is promising, young workers are still more likely than more experienced workers to be injured on the job.
- The Labour Program works with and supports the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, which offers a range of workplace health and safety services and resources for youth, employers, parents and teachers.
Quote
"Young workers are particularly vulnerable to being injured on the job, and workplace injuries can have serious, long-term health consequences. That's why our Government is actively engaging and educating young Canadians on injury prevention. The safety habits they learn now will help create the safe workplaces of the future."
– The Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, P.C., O.Ont., M.P., Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women
Associated Links
Labour Program
CCOHS Young Workers Zone
SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada
Andrew McGrath, Director of Communications, Office of the Hon. Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, P.C., O.Ont., M.P., Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women, 819-953-5646, [email protected]; Media Relations Office, Employment and Social Development Canada, 819-994-5559, [email protected], Follow us on Twitter
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