Throwing a new hire into the mix with a 10-minute safety video and a handshake doesn’t cut it anymore. Especially when we’re talking about new and young workers.
Whether it’s their first day on the job or just their first time working in your industry, the risks they face are way higher than most employers realize. And yet, orientation is often treated like a one-and-done checklist item.
Here’s the thing: that approach doesn’t just fail—it can get people hurt.
If you're running a business in Canada, you’ve got a legal responsibility to identify and control risks for every worker. That responsibility becomes even more critical when those workers are new to the job, young, or both.
In this blog, we’re breaking down:
Let’s look at some facts.
According to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), new and young workers are more likely to be injured on the job than any other group. The first six months are the most dangerous, especially in physically demanding or fast-paced jobs.
Reference:
https://www.ccohs.ca/youngworkers
Why? Here are some common reasons:
Now layer on peer pressure, inexperience, and sometimes overconfidence—and you’ve got a perfect storm.
Under both federal and provincial OH&S legislation, employers must:
In Alberta, the OHS Code explicitly requires that young workers (under 25 years old) be given information about:
Reference:
https://www.alberta.ca/young-workers
So no, you can’t just send a young worker into the shop, give them a “watch and learn” speech, and hope for the best.
You need a structured orientation program. Better yet, you need a mentorship program that supports that orientation with real-world coaching.
We’ve seen it too many times—companies dust off a generic onboarding binder they’ve had since 2014, spend 45 minutes going through it, then consider the worker “trained.”
It’s not good enough.
If you want new workers to actually understand the hazards of the job and how to stay safe, the orientation must be:
And guess what? The law agrees.
In British Columbia, WorkSafeBC mandates that new and young workers receive job-specific orientation and training before starting work—and it must be documented.
Reference:
https://www.worksafebc.com/en/health-safety/education-training-certification/young-new-worker
Orientation is just the first layer. Mentorship is where the real learning happens.
A mentorship program matches new workers with experienced ones who can:
This works because new workers often hesitate to bring up issues to supervisors. A mentor creates that bridge—someone who’s not a boss, but still knows the expectations.
And mentorship doesn’t need to be formal in the corporate sense. A solid mentor could be a senior operator, a team lead, or a journeyman who’s good with people and cares about safety.
If this all sounds like a lot, don’t stress—we do this every day.
Here’s how Calgary Safety Consultants can help Canadian businesses like yours build effective orientation and mentorship programs:
We don’t believe in off-the-shelf binders. We create role-specific orientation materials that:
https://calgarysafetyconsultants.ca/online-training/
Need help setting up a mentorship system? We’ll help you:
https://calgarysafetyconsultants.ca/consulting/
All our programs are built to meet OH&S legislation in Alberta and across Canada. We help you:
https://calgarysafetyconsultants.ca/cor-auditing/
Whether you’re in Calgary, Red Deer, Edmonton, or operating remotely—we can deliver these programs virtually or in person. We tailor the delivery to your workforce, whether they’re field-based, shop-based, or in an office.
All the legal boxes and safety plans in the world won’t matter if your workers feel lost or unsupported. For new and young workers, safety isn’t just about PPE and procedures—it’s about confidence, communication, and culture.
When you take the time to invest in proper onboarding and mentorship, you’re not just reducing injuries—you’re building trust. And that trust leads to better engagement, stronger performance, and a reputation as a safe place to work.
If you're ready to move beyond the cookie-cutter safety orientation and actually protect your newest and most vulnerable workers, we can help.
We’ve helped businesses in construction, transportation, manufacturing, healthcare, and more level up their onboarding processes—and reduce their injury rates in the process.
And if you need help getting there? We’ve got your back. Contact Calgary Safety Consultants for your complimentary consult to explore tailored OH&S solutions that drive real results.
Stay safe!
New and young workers often lack experience, hazard awareness, and confidence to speak up. They’re also less familiar with safe work practices and their legal rights.
Canadian OH&S laws require that all workers—especially those under 25—receive training, hazard awareness, and supervision tailored to their job before they begin work.
It should include hazard identification, emergency procedures, rights and responsibilities, PPE use, reporting systems, and task-specific safety instructions.
Calgary Safety Consultants is here to help you ensure compliance, enhance safety, and streamline your OH&S program. Don’t wait—fill out the form, and we’ll connect with you to discuss how we can support your business. Let’s get started!
Calgary Safety Consultants delivers game-changing COR Audits and OH&S consulting designed to keep your business safe, compliant, and accident-free. With 30+ years of expertise in high-risk industries like oil & gas, construction, and manufacturing, we understand the unique challenges you face. We offer tailored safety solutions that not only meet regulatory standards but also reduce operational risks and protect your workforce. From conducting thorough safety audits to implementing comprehensive safety management systems, we ensure your team is fully supported. Our hands-on, collaborative approach means we're with you every step of the way, helping you achieve a safer, more efficient workplace. Let us handle the heavy lifting so your team stays protected, and your business thrives!
