Accident rates for new and young workers are significantly higher than for mature and experienced workers. In response to this reality, WorkSafeBC amended the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation to require training and orientation be provided to a new or young employee before beginning new work.

All new, and young workers must receive appropriate training and orientation in the hazards of their work sites and the procedures that must be followed to safely perform their work. The University’s Safety Policy #7 requires that administrative heads of units ensure that all persons working or studying within their unit are trained in and follow all environmental and safety procedures.

As per WorkSafeBC OHS Regulation 3.22 to 3.25 the following topics must be included in the new or young workers orientation training:

• The name and contact information for the young or new worker's supervisor;
• The employer's and young or new worker's rights and responsibilities under the Workers Compensation Act and this Regulation including the reporting of unsafe conditions and the right to refuse to perform unsafe work;
• Workplace health and safety rules;
• Hazards to which the young or new worker may be exposed, including risks from robbery, assault or confrontation;
• Working alone or in isolation;
• Violence in the workplace;
• Personal protective equipment;
• Location of first aid facilities and means of summoning first aid and reporting illnesses and injuries;
• Emergency procedures;
• Instruction and demonstration of the young or new worker's work task or work process;
• The employer's health and safety program, if required under section 3.1 of this Regulation;
• WHMIS information requirements set out in Part 5, as applicable to the young or new worker's workplace;
• Contact information for the occupational health and safety committee or the worker health and safety representative, as applicable to the workplace.

For further information, please contact Risk Management Services.