Every month I read the health and safety newsletter written by my daughter. Every letter has some new information for me and I take away some ideas to help me to live more safely. This last letter outlined some concerns for young or first time workers who are often thrust into the workforce without proper training. What hit home was a news item on our local TV station describing the tragic accident of a young man critically injured. It was his first day on the job and he was required to help take a ferris wheel down without supervision or training. Moments after he began work he was injured and will be an invalid for the rest of his life.
All too often the young people who wish to please the boss fail to ask questions related to the work for fear of being let go. They are in harms way as a result and if they survive the first few days or weeks they probably will be ok. The problem is that a high percentage of injuries occur on the first day or early in their duties.
I was unaware that the first of May was a day set aside to mourn the loss of life due to workplace accidents. I will be consious of this fact in the future and will be more sensitive to the problems facing our first time workers, young or old.
Well aren't you an avid fan! Thanks for reading. you hit the nail on the head with regards to young and new workers. I just wanted to clarify that April 28th is the Day of Mourning in Canada and around the world they call it Memorial Day. Then the first week of May, USA, Canada and Mexico celebrate Safety and Health Week (thus it is called North America Occupational Safety and Health - NAOSH - Week).
ReplyDeleteThanks for spreading the word Pops. We are going to have to add you to the payroll.