Richmond, B.C. (July 23, 2026) — With many employers hiring seasonal staff during the summer months, WorkSafeBC is reminding employers that young and new workers remain at higher risk of workplace injury during their first months on the job.
In 2025, WorkSafeBC accepted more than 7,000 claims from young workers who were injured on the job in B.C. Between 2021 and 2025, 18 young workers lost their lives due to workplace incidents.
WorkSafeBC's research has consistently shown that while young workers value safety and want to do a good job, many hesitate to speak up about unsafe work. New research from WorkSafeBC identifies why: the barrier is often less about recognizing hazards and more about feeling confident and able to raise concerns in the moment, particularly when workers are concerned about job security or how they will be perceived.
“Young workers often recognize when something isn’t right, but that doesn’t always mean they feel comfortable saying so,” says Todd McDonald, Head of Prevention Services at WorkSafeBC. “Young workers focus on making a good impression, which can make it harder to ask questions, raise concerns, or refuse unsafe work. Creating a workplace culture where questions are welcomed and concerns are taken seriously supports young workers and is critical to preventing injuries.”
Every worker has the right to know about workplace hazards, participate in health and safety, and refuse unsafe work, Effective risk management depends on workers being encouraged to identify hazards, assess risks, and help develop controls.
WorkSafeBC has launched a new campaign, Before You Ask a Bot, Ask Your Boss, to encourage young workers to speak with a supervisor before starting an unfamiliar or potentially unsafe task. Informed by research showing many young workers turn to AI tools and chatbots for answers, the campaign reinforces that workplace safety questions should be directed to a supervisor who understands the specific job and its risks. It also reminds employers that creating a workplace where questions are encouraged and concerns are welcomed is a shared responsibility that helps prevent injuries.
Employer responsibilities
Under the Workers Compensation Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, employers must ensure all workers, including young and new workers, receive job site orientation and role-specific training before they begin work. Employers must also provide ongoing supervision to ensure workers can perform their jobs safely and effectively. Training should reflect the tasks and hazards of the role and be reinforced over time.
“Young workers bring different levels of experience and familiarity with workplace hazards. Employers should tailor orientation, training, and supervision to the individual worker rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach, which can leave gaps that increase risk,” says McDonald.
Young workers who feel their concerns haven’t been addressed can contact WorkSafeBC’s Prevention Information Line at 1‑888‑621‑7233 to speak confidentially with a prevention officer.
Resources
Worksafebc.com offers a range of free resources to help young workers, parents, and employers build strong safety habits, including online tools, orientation checklists, and classroom-ready materials.
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