Safety Up!

“Young workers have been identified as having a high risk of injury and death on the job,” says Laurel Aitken, farm safety coordinator with Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development, Edmonton. “According to Workers Compensation Board, young workers in general are one-third more likely to be injured on the job than those over 25. New workers are often unaware of the potential hazards of their jobs. In fact, over 50 per cent of accidents involving young workers occur during their first six months on the job. It’s important that new workers be aware of the risks they face on the job and of the need for training."

The Safety Up! campaign includes a display aimed at young workers and their supervisors, stressing the importance of safety training. A series of Safety Up! factsheets written specifically for youth is currently available (access to the fact sheets) along with promotional items (information on promotional items). Community groups can book the display for local events at no charge. A poster campaign runs in venues frequented by this age group including agriculture colleges, sports arenas and rural bars.

A media campaign across Alberta emphasizes the message Stay in the Game. Wear the Gear.

“The idea behind the ads is to remind youth to stay safe on the farm so they can enjoy all that life has to offer, whether that is good times with friends, sports, music or dating,” says Aitken.

Watch for the new resources around Alberta and get ready to Safety Up!


Contact:
Laurel Aitken 780-980-4230
Kenda Lubeck 780-538-5606
Raelyn Peterson 780-538-5633