The Workplace Risks

The first piece of information that we were faced with was, WorkSafe BC’s Lost Youth Video, this is a short documentary featuring four different teenagers telling their stories of their workplace injuries.

Some of the statistics that the video started out with were the most eye opening part of the video. Stats such as: “In British Columbia, one young worker is injured every hour” or “34 young workers are injured everyday”. The really crazy part of it was, that not all of the teenagers in the video were in “dangerous” jobs, the girl in the video worked at a pizza place, and was still at high risk.

The video explains that younger workers are at the most risk because they are usually put at the bottom of the ladder in the business they are working for, and therefore have larger changes of brief, and unprofessional training. Younger workers are also often getting their first jobs, and are unaware of their rights, therefore they listen to what they are told to do, and usually don’t question it.

The Rights

First we searched the regulations to become familiar with our rights as workers. This included a multiple choice worksheet with questions based around what you should be provided with by your employer, maximum heights and sound levels you should be working with, and minimum ages.

To focus more directly on a part of our rights, we read about a certain type of hazard, and then presented our knowledge to the class. Jessie, Morgan, Melika, and I, read about Exposure to Mineral and Chemical Hazards.

Asbestos:

• found in older buildings
• inhaling asbestos brings the fibres into the deepest part of your lungs and reside there forever

 

Found In:

• pipe insulation
• door gaskets
• furnace insulation
• vinyl, asphalt, or rubber floor tiles
• acoustical tiles

Dust:

• being exposed to dust may cause, eye, nose, throat, and respiratory tract irritation, coughing, and phlegm production
• chemical or natural dust can cause long-term harm to your health

Found In:

• produced from sanding
• or sawing
• or paint removal
• or sweeping

Lead:

• once in your bloodstream it is stored in your bones, and can build up
• this can lead to weakness, aches or pain, headaches, abdominal pain, and constipation

Found In:

• dust or fumes from sanding or painting
• contaminated food or drink

Detergents + Cleaning Products:

• hazards should be presented to you
• used for cleaning in various jobs

 

Found In:

• hotels
• restaurants
• construction
• retail

Pesticides: 

• enter the body though the skin
• inhaled into the lungs
• are swallowed into the stomach

 

Found In:

• farms or ranches
• veterinary clinics
• schools
• forest industry
• warehouses

My Perspective

As someone who has had a job for a couple of years now, it was really interesting to see how involved BC is with the workplace. I had no idea that there were so many hazards as teens entered the workplace. I do believe its very important for teenagers all over BC to learn what I did. There are so many kids that jump into new jobs without prior research and that can be one of the most dangerous mistakes.

I had never really thought of the workplace as being a dangerous place, and I feel really lucky that I’ve had such a great experience in the workplace so far. I’ve had very thorough training, and have constant contact with supervisors and mangers. I really do feel lucky to work in such a well developed, and young worker focused workplace.