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About

This initiative is supported by a creative sentencing grant from the Government of Alberta to help protect young, new, and inexperienced workers.

The purpose of this project is to equip industry with practical tools and resources to effectively integrate young and new workers into the workplace. Leveraging evidence-based research and best practices, these resources help transition young and new workers from novices to confident, independent contributors.

This is especially important in high-risk, dynamic environments, where workers are near high energy equipment or processes which can have life-threatening consequences. The project aims to foster safer workplaces and empower the next generation of workers.

What's included?

This video honours the life of Zachary Smith, an 18-year-old worker who was fatally injured on the job. It demonstrates how this tragic event not only impacts the lives of family and friends, but an entire community.

 

Video Series

The Worker's Perspective Video Facilitation Guide

The Supervisor's Perspective Video Facilitation Guide

Competency Video Facilitation Guide

Industry Forum

Energy Safety Canada, in collaboration with the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT), hosted a forum at NAIT focused on improving workplace safety for young, new and inexperienced workers.

The forum fostered meaningful dialogue on how to better prepare and protect the next generation of the workforce.

Learn more

Protecting Young, New and Inexperienced Workers Protection Program

The worker protection program will act as a guidance for employers, operational employees, safety or human resources personnel that are tasked with recruiting and onboarding employees.  The program will provide tools (methods and templates) on how to apply or integrate the messaging and techniques demonstrated in the video series to start or enhance their existing onboarding, training and competency-based programs.

Coming Soon in Fall 2026

How to use these resources

Remember, these are not checkboxes—they’re conversation starters to change how we bring people into this industry.

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Download facilitation guide

Download the accompanying facilitation guide.

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Watch and discuss

Watch the video with your crew and use the guide to lead a safety talk or toolbox meeting.

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Open communication

Talk honestly about real risks on your site

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Guidance first

Identify where new workers need guidance, not assumptions

Start the conversation

Get started with a conversation that could save a life.

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