.png?width=1614&height=626&name=FirstJob_SafeJob_reverse%20(1).png "FirstJob_SafeJob_reverse (1)")
.png?width=1614&height=626&name=FirstJob_SafeJob%20(1).png "FirstJob_SafeJob (1)")
Is your teen starting a new job? If they will be working with, or around vehicles, they need to take extra precautions to stay safe. Make sure they are following these five steps to ensure their safety.
Motor vehicle incidents were one of the leading causes of work-related fatalities in Ontario every year during the past decade, according to the WSIB.
The news frequently reports incidents involving workers (usually outdoor or construction workers) being struck, injured, or even killed by vehicles, and these stories often share common elements: work is often performed near fast-moving or large vehicles with poor sight lines. With that in mind, it’s essential your teen takes every available precaution to stay safe from vehicles at work. Here’s what to teach your kids about working around vehicles.
1. Take uniform and personal protective equipment (PPE) rules seriously
Your teen may not love the vibe of a bright orange vest, but they will be grateful when it protects them from injuries. They should commit to always wearing a high visibility vest when working near traffic. Employers who don’t mandate this are breaking the law, as wearing traffic vests is a legal requirement for those working near vehicles.
2. Never assume someone else is looking out for your safety
Your teen’s employer can and must take every reasonable precaution to keep them safe at work. But that doesn’t automatically keep your child safe. Remind your teen to be alert, be aware, pay attention and always assume that there is risk involved when working around vehicles. Remind them to avoid standing in blind spots and to stay away from the path of vehicles.
3. Are signalers always alert and present when a vehicle is backing up or if traffic is around?
Ask your teen what they notice when they’re at work. Is someone always assigned the job of signaler? Is that person always present and prepared to help vehicles back up at the job site? If not, that is a red flag. There should be multiple workers at any job site, each with a different role to play in keeping everyone safe.
4. Is work scheduled at less busy times? Consider asking for different hours
A 2023 report in Sudbury evaluated whether night road work would be safer or more dangerous for workers. The study found that while congestion might be lower at night, there would be decreased visibility for workers, including more shadows and glare. The study also suggested worker attention levels may naturally wane at night. If your teen is working in the dark, see if they can talk to their employer about doing daytime shifts when they can be more alert and have better visibility.
5. Communicate effectively
Your teen should always practice clear communication with fellow workers. This could mean sharing their location via walkie-talkie, letting other workers know their intended path through any worksite, or making eye contact with vehicle operators to ensure the driver is aware of their presence.
When your teenager steps into a job involving vehicles, safety should be on their radar. With motor vehicle incidents causing numerous work-related fatalities in Ontario each year, it's crucial to prep your teen. By keeping these things in mind, your teen can clock in and out with confidence.