.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)")
As a parent, you’re going to worry about your kid's safety. Whether they’re walking over to a friend’s house in the evening, learning to drive, or starting their first job, you need your kids to be aware of the potential dangers and hazards they may run into.
Instilling a sense of caution in your teenager can be tough. Conveying the importance of being vigilant and aware of your surroundings may go in one ear and straight out the other. Teenagers can feel invincible, believing that accidents simply won’t happen to them.
How to get your kids to take workplace safety seriously
It's important to help your child understand the gravity of workplace safety. Here are some steps you can take to help your kids understand and prioritize safety on the job:
Open communication: Create a safe space for your child to discuss their job experiences and concerns. Encourage them to ask questions about safety practices and policies. Let them know they can come to you with anything and will not get in trouble, nor will you act unless they ask you to.
Emphasize personal responsibility: Remind your child that they play a crucial role in their own safety. Encourage them to speak up if they feel unsafe or notice hazardous conditions.
Education and training: Ensure your child receives proper training and is familiar with safety protocols and equipment in the workplace. Ask them about their first day on the job and what the orientation was like. If they didn’t have orientation, remind them that safe work is their right!
Set a positive example: Lead by example and prioritize safety in your own life. Your actions speak louder than words.
Stay informed: Keep up-to-date with workplace safety regulations and share relevant information with your child.
Advocate for change: Encourage your child to be an advocate for safety at their workplace. If they notice unsafe conditions, they should report them to their supervisor or HR department. If they’re worried about having an awkward conversation, give them some tips for talking to their boss. Again, lead by example here as an advocate in your own life.
Share real-life stories: Use stories like Rob Ellis's below to illustrate the real consequences of workplace incidents. These stories make the dangers tangible and relatable.
The tragic reality: A father's story of loss
Rob Ellis, a Canadian father, knows all too well the devastating consequences of an unsafe workplace. His life was forever changed when he lost his 18-year-old son, David, in a workplace incident.
David's story serves as a poignant reminder that workplace injuries and fatalities can happen to anyone, even those who least expect it.
David was a young, energetic, and hardworking teenager who, like many, believed that workplace injuries only happened to others. He had just started his job at a bakery, eager to earn money and gain some real-world experience.
David received no safety orientation or training. He was left alone on the bakery floor. And on his second day at work, a tragic incident took his life.
David's father, Rob Ellis, turned his heartbreaking experience into a mission to raise awareness about workplace safety. He recognized the need to prevent other families from enduring the same pain and loss. Rob's dedication to sharing his son's story and advocating for safety measures is inspiring, to say the least.
Share David’s story with your kids. Tell them not to be afraid to ask for help or training.