Monday, June 8, 2015

WCP Session 2 : Youth Workers

Young workers should know their rights and how to protect themselves before they start working. Youths have the right to work in a safe place and receive safety. Its very important to ask questions if you are unsure of anything to avoid mistakes and use safety gear if required. If you believe the workplace is not safe, you have the right to file a confidential complaint with OSHA. Employers have responsibilities too by providing you a safe workplace that follows all the OSHA safety/health standards. In addition, they have to give you proper training and answers any questions you might have. To stay safe on a job make sure to protect yourself by following all the safety rules and report any unsafe conditions to a shift/team leader or supervisor.

5 Rules : Youth On The Job

#1: You have the rights to get paid, overtime pay, be safe, freedom from harassment and discrimination, and organize. OSHA is a federal government agency that develops and enforces job safety laws. They make sure young workers stay protected.
#2: There are many hazards at work so make sure to always protect yourself. Always know your rights, speak up, get together, wear protective equipment, and ask for training. Many young workers get injured at work. The top five categories of young workers who was injured are agricultural workers, retail workers, construction workers, services, and manufacturing. Avoid using equipment that might be risky and make sure you know what you are doing. 

#3: Stand up for your rights! You have a right to know your rights/responsibilities on the job as a worker, use organizing and problem solving tools to create a safe workplace, and remember you are not alone. Some tips for problem solving are to plan in advance, keep records, be strategic, be prepared for different responses from management and be creative. Young workers get injured due to insufficient training, inexperience, dangerous/inappropriate jobs and lack of supervision.
 What to do if you experience hazards at work?

Create a plan of action : 
Get together with co-workers Map your workplace
Survey your co-workers
Get employer records
Get info from OSHA & NIOSH
Go to the union.
                                                                                                                                                                      #4: Sticks & Stones can break your bone but RSIs can really hurt you. Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs) are work-related injuries that result from overuse of muscles, tendons, ligaments and nerves. To stop RSIs ask your boss for proper workstation design, avoid award positions and take mini-breaks.

#5: Chemical exposure can be dangerous for all workers and you have the right to know what risks they may pose to you and your co-workers. Follow the hierarchy of controls to protect yourself because chemicals can get into your body in a variety of ways. 
#6: Violence on the job is a big concern for young workers. If you are experiencing sexual harassment make it clear to the harasser that his/her behavior is unwelcome, keep a record by writing down what is happening to you, talk to co-workers to support your account and file a complaint. Employers should correct any unsafe conditions to prevent incidents of violence. 

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