WorkSafeBC is calling on employers to improve workplace culture as new research indicates that young workers often recognize hazards but hesitate to report them due to fears regarding job security or professional perception. This reluctance contributes to a trend where young and new employees remain at a disproportionately high risk of injury, particularly during their first months on the job. In 2025 alone, the regulator accepted over 7,000 claims from young workers in British Columbia, while 18 young workers lost their lives in workplace incidents between 2021 and 2025.
Todd McDonald, Head of Prevention Services at WorkSafeBC, noted that the desire to make a strong professional impression often acts as a psychological barrier that prevents young staff from asking questions or refusing unsafe work. Under the Workers Compensation Act and Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, employers are legally required to provide site-specific orientation and training before a worker starts a new role, and this supervision should be tailored to an individual’s experience level rather than a general approach.
To further combat this issue, WorkSafeBC has launched the “Before You Ask a Bot, Ask Your Boss” campaign to discourage young workers from relying on AI tools for safety answers that require specific site context. The initiative reminds both workers and employers that safety is a shared responsibility, emphasizing that only a direct supervisor can provide the necessary guidance to manage unique workplace risks.
Courtesy OHS Canada