Employers called on to ensure the safety of young workers this summer
Posted Jun 28, 2026 12:48:32 PM.
Last Updated Jun 29, 2026 10:54:38 AM.
Now that school is out for the summer, more young people are entering the workforce — and that comes with the risk of injury.
According to a release, workplace injuries are going down overall in Nova Scotia, but most injuries amongst young people happen in the summer.
On average, about 31 per cent of injuries to workers under age 25 happen during the summer months, compared to 25 per cent of injuries to workers 25 and over.
The most common injuries to young people include concussions, cuts and lacerations. They happen most often in places like retail stores, restaurant kitchens, construction sites and more.
Despite these risks, the number of people hurt on the job has seen an overall decline from 602 in 2021 to 536 in 2025. Young workers in particular experienced the most significant drop, from 124 under the age of 20 hurt on the job in 2021 to 97 in 2025.
Workers’ Compensation Board of Nova Scotia (WCB) said prioritizing the safety of young workers entering workplaces should be a priority for everyone — especially employers. Employers are accountable to ensure young workers have the proper training, supervision and tools to work safely on the job.
“Summer jobs are often a first introduction to the workplace, and young workers need the training, supervision and support to stay safe and build successful careers here in Nova Scotia,” said the Hon. Nolan Young, Minister of Labour, Skills and Immigration in a release. “As we work to build a strong, skilled workforce for Nova Scotia’s future, it’s critical that we make sure workers stay safe on the job — including young people.”
Employers are also responsible for creating a safety culture where speaking up and asking questions is encouraged.
“Young and new workers are eager to contribute and they deserve a safe start,” said Tracey Newman, VP Prevention and Employer Engagement, WCB Nova Scotia. “The most important thing an employer can do is have those safety conversations right off the top. A proper orientation, a mentor to work alongside, and an open door for questions can prevent a serious injury.”
For employers, keeping young workers safe includes:
- Orienting every new worker to their specific tasks and hazards before work begins.
- Pairing new hires with an experienced co-worker during their first shifts.
- Taking heat seriously — young workers are at higher risk of heat stroke.
- Making sure workers handling knives have proper training and the right equipment.
- Encouraging workers to ask questions and speak up if something feels unsafe.
For workers, it means:
- Asking about hazards before doing a task for the first time.
- Knowing who to go to if you’re hurt.
- Reporting safety concerns to your supervisor.
- Refusing unsafe work – it’s your right, and you can’t be disciplined for it.
Safer Workplaces Together prioritizes the safety of workers on the job. It’s Nova Scotia’s injury prevention strategy which provides a framework for building safer, stronger workplaces across the province.
