How to Protect Young Workers on Construction and Industrial Sites
Young workers bring a fresh perspective, high energy, and a willingness to learn—qualities that are valuable in any construction or industrial environment. But they also face a higher risk of workplace injury. Whether it’s due to inexperience, underdeveloped risk perception, or eagerness to please, these workers need more than just a safety briefing.
At Credence Construction Ltd., we believe that protecting young workers isn’t just a legal requirement—it’s a responsibility we take seriously.
Who Are Young Workers?
In Saskatchewan, The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2020 define a young worker as someone under 16, with additional restrictions applying up to age 18. Biologically, individuals under 25 are still developing decision-making and planning skills due to ongoing prefrontal cortex development. That makes them more vulnerable to workplace hazards and more reliant on strong mentorship and supervision.
Why Young Workers Face Greater Risks
Young workers are:
- Often new to the job or trade
- Eager to prove themselves
- Less familiar with rights or safety expectations
- Still developing the ability to assess and react to risk
These factors increase the chances of injury—especially on construction sites, industrial maintenance jobs, or during equipment-intensive tasks like steel fabrication or pipe fitting.
Real-Life Case: What Happens When Supervision Fails
On February 19, 2021, a 20-year-old worker in Saskatchewan was asked to work from a modified aerial platform without fall protection. They fell 5 meters and sustained spinal injuries that resulted in permanent quadriplegia.
This tragedy is a stark reminder of what’s at stake when safety procedures are overlooked—especially for young workers unfamiliar with jobsite risks.
Core Strategies to Protect Young Workers
1. Start with a Thorough Orientation
Your onboarding process should include:
- A clear explanation of young worker expectations
- A full site tour showing walkways, muster points, and hazard zones
- Guidance on reporting concerns and asking questions
At Credence Construction Ltd., every new team member is introduced to safety policies in a hands-on, practical way.
2. Assign Knowledgeable Supervisors
The OH&S Regulations require all work to be “sufficiently and competently supervised.” This means young workers must be paired with supervisors who understand:
- The tasks at hand
- The safety procedures required
- How to communicate clearly and consistently
Read more about how we lead safe project execution in our construction solutions section.
3. Offer Practical Equipment Training
Before using any tools or equipment, young workers must:
- Be shown the correct handling and safety protocols
- Demonstrate their ability to use the tool independently and safely
Whether it’s a welder, a scaffold, or a material hoist, hands-on training prevents mistakes that lead to injury.
For high-risk settings like structural steel work or shutdowns, our repair and maintenance crews follow this process every time.
4. Maintain Regular Check-Ins
Supervisors should schedule periodic check-ins to:
- Evaluate skill development
- Clarify any misunderstandings
- Encourage open dialogue
Young workers may hesitate to speak up without being asked. Make space for feedback—without judgment.
5. Create a Young Worker Safety Program
Credence Construction recommends including these steps in your internal safety program:
- Introduce all site rules in plain language
- Identify the worker’s supervisor and support team
- Train for tool and task competency with assessments
- Provide a schedule for check-ins and reviews
- Educate on rights: to refuse unsafe work and ask questions without penalty
As emphasized in the SCSA Young Workers Toolbox Talk, no one should be punished for raising a safety concern.
A Long-Term Investment
Young workers are more than new hires. They are the future leaders of the construction and industrial workforce. Building their skills, judgment, and safety mindset today means a stronger, more responsible industry tomorrow.
At Credence Construction Ltd., we take pride in not only doing the job—but in helping build the people who will carry the work forward.
