2002 Young Worker Safety Campaign Did you know that workers under the age of 25 are at the highest risk of workplace injury or death? Every year, young workers die as a result of workplace injuries. Each one of these deaths can be prevented. James Wright, Sarah Heyink and Michael Hickman are part of our 2002 campaign to help young workers be aware of workplace safety and their rights. James Wright Six years ago, when he was eighteen, James Wright had a great opportunity to earn high school credits while working as an apprentice tinsmith. Two weeks into the job, he fell off a ladder and plunged 50 feet. James is now paralyzed from the waist down and will be in a wheelchair for the rest of his life. James never received any proper safety training. If he had, he might not have fallen off that ladder. Sarah Heyink When she was 19, Sarah Heyink was electrocuted while working for a heavy construction company. 12,000 volts and 800 amps went through her body, leaving no outward wounds, but her body was burnt from the inside out. Sarah was lucky, she lived. Five years later she still thinks about it everyday. When you're as young as Sarah, you shouldn't have to worry about dying, especially from a workplace injury that could have been prevented. Michael Hickman Michael remembers waiting for a call from his brother, Tim. The next day was Tim's twenty-first birthday and they were going out to celebrate. Instead, Michael got a call from the hospital. An ice-resurfacing machine Tim was using at the arena where he worked had exploded - he died ten days later. Michael still misses his brother and he feels cheated of all the time they were supposed to spend together. Tim should not have died so young, especially in an accident that should have been prevented. Life is too short - you don’t have to give your life to your job. Find out how to work safely and be aware of workplace hazards – like James Wright, Sarah Heyink and Michael Hickman’s brother, your whole life could be riding on it. How safe is your job? If you don’t know, you need to. See the posters I miss him every day I don’t remember hitting the ground Radio Ads Read a transcript of James Wright’s radio ad. Read a transcript of Sarah Heyink’s radio ad. Read a transcript of Michael Hickman’s radio ad. Know your rights. The law protects you from unsafe work and gives you three really important rights. 1. You have the Right to Know about any hazards in your job and how you can protect yourself. 2. You have the Right to Participate in making sure your job and your workplace are safe and healthy. 3. You have the Right to Refuse Unsafe Work. No one, not your boss, not your supervisor, can force you to do a job that is unsafe. To learn more about the things you need to know and need to do to make your job safe, go online or call. Know your rights. Safety starts with you. The law protects you from unsafe work and gives you three really important rights. www.youngworker.ca 1-888-921-WSIB Job Safety Quiz How much do you know about workplace safety and your rights? Take the quiz and find out.