WorkSafeBC Launches Campaign to Encourage Young Workers to Seek Safety Guidance from Supervisors

📅 5 days ago

WorkSafeBC initiates a campaign urging young construction workers to consult their supervisors for safety advice instead of relying on AI tools.

In British Columbia, approximately 28,000 young construction workers are turning to their smartphones for workplace safety advice, as revealed by a recent study from WorkSafeBC (WSBC). However, the organization suggests a more direct approach: consulting their supervisors instead of AI-driven tools. This summer, WSBC is launching a campaign titled "Before You Ask a Bot, Ask Your Boss," specifically targeting new and young workers, particularly those under 25. "The initiative aims to instill a habit among these workers to seek guidance from experienced colleagues when they have safety-related questions," explained Sandeep Mangat, WSBC's manager of prevention field services.
The campaign, which commenced in June, utilizes various media channels, including social media, streaming platforms, and gaming outlets, to convey its message. The initiative also features a dedicated landing page providing straightforward advice on how to engage in safety discussions with supervisors. "We are committed to disseminating information through creator-led content and advertising, ensuring that our outreach is effective," added Mangat.
The safety of young workers is a pressing concern, as WSBC reports nearly 7,000 injuries among this demographic in all sectors annually. Tragically, between 2021 and 2025, 18 young workers lost their lives due to workplace accidents. Shane O’Neill, field operations manager at Naikoon Contracting Ltd., highlighted that young construction workers face unique risks, particularly with the use of power tools, where experience is crucial for safe operation. Proper use of personal protective equipment and awareness of hazards, such as being struck by objects, are also critical areas where young workers often lack experience.
O’Neill emphasized that many young workers do not possess a well-developed sense of situational awareness, which can exacerbate risks, especially when working at heights. "Younger individuals may struggle to recognize when a seemingly safe situation becomes hazardous," he noted. The goal of the WSBC's campaign is behavioral change, aiming to encourage young workers to voice their safety concerns. Research indicates that many young employees hesitate to report unsafe conditions due to fears regarding job security and how their concerns may be perceived.
Todd McDonald, head of prevention services at WSBC, remarked, "While young workers often identify unsafe conditions, they may not feel empowered to speak up. Creating a workplace culture that welcomes questions and takes concerns seriously is essential for preventing injuries." WSBC asserts that employers have a fundamental duty to protect their workers' health and safety, which includes ensuring that any health and safety measures, including those involving AI, are validated by qualified professionals.
Mangat pointed out that if an AI-generated safety plan leads to a worker's injury or illness, the employer's responsibilities remain unchanged. "Employers cannot shift their health and safety obligations based on the accuracy of AI resources," he stated. Erin Linde, director of health and safety services at BC Construction Safety Alliance, reiterated that supervisors on construction sites are legally required to answer safety inquiries, as outlined in the Workers Compensation Act (WCA).
Linde explained that the WSBC campaign effectively reinforces existing legal requirements. "It encourages workers, especially those new to the industry, to seek clarity on job hazards, training, and procedures for addressing unsafe conditions," she noted. The campaign underscores that supervisors must have a solid understanding of safety regulations relevant to their specific roles. For instance, a demolition foreman should be knowledgeable about respiratory hazards and structural risks, while a finishing carpenter’s lead hand must understand ergonomic issues and fall protection measures. Although supervisors are not expected to be experts in every trade, they must be competent in their own areas and know when to seek further expertise.
Overall, the WSBC campaign seeks to bolster workplace safety by fostering open communication and ensuring that young workers feel confident in addressing safety concerns directly with their supervisors.

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