Car talks: How to get your teen to identify workplace safety issues

Getting your kid to talk to you about safety can be tough. Let’s face it, it’s not a cool topic when it comes to teens. And trying to make them aware of and able to identify workplace safety issues can feel like an uphill battle. But you can prepare yourself for it by knowing the basics yourself, having a prompt at the ready, and having a designated, casual atmosphere to talk in (like the car).

If you’re having a tough time bringing these issues up with your child, read what Pamela Patry, health and safety expert and parent, has to say on the subject.

Why have workplace safety talks in the car?

Before delving into the specifics of workplace safety, let's talk about the ideal setting for these discussions. Having a conversation with your teen while you're driving them somewhere is a fantastic way to begin. Why, you ask? Well, here are a few reasons:

• Clear start and end: Your teen is essentially a captive audience during the drive, creating a natural start and end to the conversation.
• Proximity: You’re both strapped into a small space, so you have their undivided attention.
• Casual environment: The car provides a laid-back setting where you can chat and share stories about workplace safety without feeling overly formal.
• Facing ahead: You’re not forced to make eye contact while in the car. It can be so much easier to have serious chats (for both your teen and you) without having to look at each other.

Making your kid aware that they have rights as a worker

Your teen might be unaware that the law is on their side. It's common for teenagers to assume they can't say no to authority figures, but the more aware they are of their rights, the better equipped they’ll be to speak up when something isn’t right.

Prompts to kickstart a workers’ rights chat with your teen:

• “Did you know that as a worker, the law is on your side? Like you have the legal right to refuse any work that feels dangerous, and you can’t get in trouble, and you can’t legally be fired if you speak up."

Encourage them to explore their rights, which include:

• The "right to participate" in the process of identifying and resolving health and safety concerns.
• The "right to know" about any hazards they may encounter.
• The "right to refuse work" if they believe it's dangerous.

Helping your teen recognize hazards in the workplace

Hazards, or risks to workers, exist in every industry, no matter what the workplace is like. Some common ones are:

• Falls: From ladders, step stools, and even stairs.
• Falling objects: From products falling off shelves, shopping carts, or dropped tools.
• Sprains and strains: From improper lifting, bending, stooping, or reaching.
• Burns or cuts: From lights, box cutters, or even power tools.
• Slips and trips: On any wet, slippery, or uneven surfaces.

Prompts to start a conversation using real-life examples:

• Bring this back to a real-life situation, your kid will remember. Has someone close to them, or even themselves, been injured? If nothing comes to mind, you can reference David Ellis’ story.
• Use a personal example of safety at home. “Remember when your father fell off the ladder setting up Christmas lights? There are safe ways to use ladders, so make sure you ask your supervisor if you don’t know how to use one properly. If something feels uneasy or dangerous, don’t do it and tell your supervisor. No job or amount of money is worth you getting hurt.”

What personal protective equipment (PPE) does your teen need at work?

The PPE your teen is going to encounter will depend on the job they’re hired to do. For example, flipping burgers should come with gloves and aprons, stacking boxes with protective clothing or guards. Your teen may not know what they’re entitled to when they start their new job.

Prompts to find out the common PPE your teen is entitled to:

• Ask, “Have you been issued a [insert a PPE item here]?” If they say yes, great! If they say no, “You know you’re entitled to one by law. Would you want to ask your employer for one?” If they say no, keep asking questions to understand the hesitation. Maybe they don’t want to make waves in the workplace, in which case, try imparting some of these tips for talking to your boss. If they say yes, try to help them work through how to ask.

Does your kid know what to do if an emergency happens at work?

You might not want to scare your teen by bringing up the worst-case scenario. No one wants their kid to feel anxious or unsafe going in to work.

But if neither you nor their employer talks to them about it, and it does happen, they’ll be that much more unprepared. And, oddly enough, sometimes people feel more capable knowing they have a plan in place for if the worst were to happen.

Prompts to start a conversation about emergencies:

“What would you do if [insert an emergency situation here] happened?” Then, walk through the steps they can take to keep themselves safe. If they have questions you can’t answer, suggest they ask their supervisor.