Saskatchewan has proclaimed Sept. 10 as Youth Safety Education Day to raise awareness about workplace health and safety for young people entering the labour force.
The initiative aims to provide education and leadership for youth up to age 25, with the goal of building a stronger culture of safety across the province.
“We have a strong and growing economy in our province and Youth Safety Education Day contributes to safer workplaces for everyone,” Deputy Premier and Labour Relations and Workplace Safety Minister Jim Reiter said Wednesday in a release. “By working together we can build a culture of health and safety for young people entering the workforce.”
Under Saskatchewan’s Employment Act, the general minimum working age is 16. Youth ages 14 and 15 may work under certain conditions if they complete the Young Worker Readiness Certificate Course (YWRCC) and obtain parental or guardian consent.
The certificate, now administered through WorkSafe Saskatchewan, provides training on workplace rights, responsibilities and safety practices. WorkSafe Saskatchewan is a partnership between the provincial Workers’ Compensation Board and the Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety.