In 2015, a 17-year-old teenager joined the British Columbia
workforce. Eager to please and to establish a career, he did his
job as best he could. Sadly, only two months later, a conveyor belt
caught his sleeve and caused catastrophic injuries. Jack Thomas now
lives with only half a right arm. He says the possibility of
suffering workplace injuries was not even on his mind at the
beginning of his career. Authorities say many young workers fear
losing their jobs if they question safety protocols at their work
places.
Jack Thomas is now working with WorkSafeBC on an awareness
campaign among workers under the age of 25 years. The safety drive
is called Listen to Your Gut. Authorities say they want young
workers to know that they would not compromise their jobs if they
ask questions about safety. Jack Thomas says his goal is for young
workers to be aware of the safety hazards they will face, and to
encourage them to prioritize their own safety.
