As a result of the request by injured workers, by injured workers’ groups and by ONIWG, the Canadian Injured Workers Alliance has developed a model workshop that is aimed towards educating young people about health and safety in the workplace, about workers’ compensation and about their rights as workers.

    The Youth Project’s long term educational and peer support initiatives seek to increase awareness and reduce the incidence of workplace accidents and injuries among young people. This initiative will be achieved through interactive presentations to young workers followed by peer support, if desired.

    Our model presentation begins with a skit as an icebreaker. After the skit, we introduce the presenters and the Youth Project. The remainder of the session follows a similar pattern, including a skit, discussion period and distribution of facts, with questions in the discussion period that serve the purpose of getting young people thinking about the issues of health and safety. Personal testimonials by injured workers wrap up the session. These testimonials demonstrate to young people the reality of what injured workers must deal with every day.

    Click here to view the CIWA Youth Board of Directors contact information. You can also contact us by email at ciwa@vianet.ca

    If you would like more information on how to book the Young Worker Awareness program for your school, or if you'd like a representative to make a presentation to your school on a specific date, contact one of the organizations below. Please make sure you make your request well in advance of the event.

Industrial Accident Prevention Association: Toll-free telephone: 1-800-406-IAPA (4272) Toll-free fax: 1-800-316-IAPA (4272) Email: feedback@iapa.on.ca

Workers Health and Safety Centre: Toll-free telephone: 1-888-869-7950 Fax: (416) 441-1043 Email: postmaster@whsc.on.ca

5 training sessions across the country.

Train 80 people to present a workshop on workplace health and safety.

Increase public speaking skills.

Increase interest of young people in community issues and activities.

Relationships were developed amoung group members in different provinces.

    For a number of years, injured workers have been saying that they want to help prevent accidents like those they have suffered. One way to do that is to go into the schools and educate young people about the hazards in the workplace and the rights they have available to protect themselves as well as their co-workers. Since 75% of injured workers with permanent injury are unemployed, we look for ways that we can contribute to building a better society.

    Significant barriers, such as poor and/or limited access to information and support, exist for many young persons dealing with workplace hazards, injuries, diseases, and/or disabilities. Therefore, improving access to information and creating support systems are important issues that are to be addressed by this project.

Health and Safety Awareness

    Youth, as well as some more seasoned workers, are often unaware of the potential hazards in their workplaces, yet tragic accidents can occur quite easily. It is crucial that youth and employers become aware of the health and safety issues in order to prevent workplace accidents. This site will provide you with helpful information concerning workplace health and safety and additional relevant resources. Why is health and safety awareness important?

It could save your life.

It could prevent you from getting injured.

Something tragic could happen to you, even on your first day of work.

You need to be aware of the potential hazards in the workplace.

You need to help others become aware.

You need to know what protection is available to you.

Proper training is vital to your safety.

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