Putting your school kids to work on site this summer? Read this…

In many areas of Canada, schools close for the summer this week. And many self-employed contractors bring their kids to work with them.

Presuming they are 16 and over (the minimum legal age to work on a construction site in most regions of Canada), this isn’t the worst idea in the world. It keeps them occupied, shows them what you do for a living, and hopefully instills in them how hard it is to earn a dollar.

But, whether you are paying them or not, just because they are YOUR kids does NOT mean they are outside the law. In Ontario, the Occupational Health and Safety Act extends – of course – to everyone on your jobsite, including your summer student hires.

They’re treated under the Act as employees and you’re responsible for their safety on the work site.

Remember, people are watching you. If someone feels you have an under-age worker on your site, they could easily call the Ontario Ministry of Labour (MoL) on you. Attracting the inspectors could easily open a can of worms for you, so hopefully your work site is safety compliant.

Times are changing and if you’re not sure about compliance, we’re a call away to help you. More info on hiring younger workers

CARAHS is a Ministry of Labour (Ontario) Approved Working at Heights Training Provider (Pro # 34609)

Toll free 1 866 366 2930