Young Worker Awareness Program

The Workers Health & Safety Centre and the Ontario Teachers' Federation (OTF) first partnered in 1988 to develop occupational health and safety awareness resources and presentations for students. This New Worker Awareness program was delivered to thousands of high school students in assemblies and smaller classroom presentations each year.

Seeking to meet the growing demands to deliver this type of awareness initiative, the Workers Health & Safety Centre and OTF sought additional funding and support from the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB). As a result, a new Young Worker Awareness Program (YWAP) was developed using the original WHSC/OTF program as a basis.

The YWAP program is designed to raise awareness about the hazards students may face at work, their legal rights and responsibilities as well as the importance of reporting their health and safety concerns to management and worker representatives.

For many, these presentations are the first time they will explore the topic of occupational health and safety at any length. Judging by their responses, they are often eager to share their experiences and are quick to engage the instructor with questions specific to their work situation(s).

The YWAP program is available for delivery in any Ontario high school. As demand often outstrips our capacity to deliver this program, we encourage you to contact us well in advance of your desired presentation date. For additional information about the YWAP program contact a Workers Health & Safety Centre training service representative in an office near you.  To book a presentation please complete a Booking Form or contact the YWAP Program Coordinator.