Young workers face higher risk of injury: N.S. workers compensation board

The Workers Compensation Board of Nova Scotia says young workers face greater risks of being hurt.

New young workers face a greater risk of being hurt on the job, according to the Workers Compensation Board (WCB) of Nova Scotia.

Tracey Newman, vice president of prevention and employer engagement with the WCB, says while the Nova Scotia workplace injury rate is trending towards a record low, more than 500 workers under the age of 25 were injured on the job last year.

“We want that number to be zero,” said Newman.

Young workers are vulnerable when starting these summer jobs in places like restaurants, pools and construction sites, so supervisors need to offer proper training and ensure it’s a safe work environment.

“Young and new workers are eager to contribute and they deserve a safe start,” said Newman. “The most important thing an employer can do is have those safety conversations right off the top. A proper orientation, a mentor to work alongside and an open door for questions can prevent a serious injury.”

Injuries among young workers were down almost 10 per cent last year. There were 536 injuries for people under the age of 25 in 2025 and 602 in 2021.

“Summer jobs are often a first introduction to the workplace, and young workers need the training, supervision and support to stay safe and build successful careers here in Nova Scotia,” said Nolan Young, minister of Labour, Skills and Immigration. “As we work to build a strong, skilled workforce for Nova Scotia’s future, it’s critical that we make sure workers stay safe on the job, including young people.”

The WCB emphasizes the importance of employers ensuring young workers have the training, necessary tools and supervision to do the job safely.

“Think about what you would want for your child or your son or daughter,” said Newman. “You want to make sure that they go to work, they understand what how to be safe doing the work and that they come home at the end of the day.”

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