Making Work Safe: Michael Guzmicky

Michael Guzmicky
Industry Specialist, Young and New Worker program, WorkSafeBC

Languages spoken: English, Czech, Slovak
Years with WorkSafeBC: 8 years
Background: BA, BComm, and MBA, extensive experience working with youth in hospitality and tourism

What does a WorkSafeBC industry specialist do?

We work with employers, labour groups and other partners to address health and safety issues and help them take an active role in workplace health and safety. I focus on young and new workers. Workers under 24 are considered young workers. They’re more likely to be injured than other workers ― last year, more than 6,900 were injured on the job and 6 died as a result.

What do you like about your work?

Teaching people about health and safety, and their rights to a safe workplace. Doing this when they’re young can have a long-term positive impact on the safety of all workers.

When you talk to young and new workers, what do you tell them about workplace safety?

Know your rights and use them to protect yourself. You have the right to proper safety training and safety equipment; to speak up about safety concerns at work and make your job safer; and to refuse a task if you think it is too dangerous.

How can employers make sure their workplaces are safe for young and new workers?

Employers must provide young and new workers with orientation and training in everything necessary to protect their health and safety at work. Resources for employers about these requirements are available at WorkSafeBC.com. The website also has health and safety information translated into several languages.

Is there information for young and new workers at WorkSafeBC.com?

Yes, and for their parents and teachers too. Young workers should also go to
RaiseYourHand.com, a website designed to raise their awareness of workplace safety rights. They can share stories, create a safety anthem with multimedia tools, download ringtones and posters, and more.

To learn more visit WorkSafeBC.com or email [email protected]. To talk to someone about health and safety in your workplace, call our Prevention information line: 604 276-3100 or toll-free 1 888 621-7233.