WorkSafeBC encouraging young workers to ask their boss, not AI

WorkSafeBC has launched a new campaign focused on safety that encourages young workers to ask their boss, rather than turning to artificial intelligence (AI). 

As many employers are hiring seasonal staff for the summer months, the organization wants to remind them that young and new workers are often at higher risk of workplace injury during their first months on the job.

In 2025 alone, over 7,000 claims from injured young workers were submitted to WorkSafeBC, and between 2021 and 2025, 18 young workers lost their lives due to workplace incidents.

According to the organization’s research, young workers value safety and want to do a good job, but many hesitate to speak up about unsafe work. 

WorkSafeBC believes that this barrier is often about lacking confidence and feeling unable to raise concerns in the moment.

They found that workers are less likely to ask their supervisors questions because they are concerned about job security or how they will be perceived.

“Young workers often recognize when something isn’t right, but that doesn’t always mean they feel comfortable saying so,” said Todd McDonald, head of prevention services at WorkSafeBC. 

“Young workers focus on making a good impression, which can make it harder to ask questions, raise concerns or refuse unsafe work.”

McDonald added that it is important to create a workplace culture where questions are welcomed and concerns are taken seriously. 

With the rise of AI, WorkSafeBC has found that some young workers have been turning to asking AI rather than inquiring with their supervisors when they have a question about safety, which can lead to misinformation and result in injury. 

To combat this phenomenon, the organization has launched the ‘Before You Ask a Bot, Ask Your Boss’ campaign. 

This initiative seeks to encourage young workers to speak with a supervisor before starting an unfamiliar or potentially unsafe task. 

This way, the young workers are learning from an experienced individual who understands the specific job and its risks, rather than an AI tool or chatbot that may provide false information. 

It is the employers responsibility to ensure all workers, including young and new workers, receive job site orientation and role-specific training before they begin work. 

They must also provide ongoing supervision to ensure workers can perform their jobs safely and effectively. 

“Young workers bring different levels of experience and familiarity with workplace hazards,” said McDonald. 

“Employers should tailor orientation, training and supervision to the individual worker rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach, which can leave gaps that increase risk.”

WorkSafeBC encourages young workers who feel their concerns haven’t been addressed to contact their prevention information line at 1‑888‑621‑7233 to speak confidentially with a prevention officer.