Originally published in Landscape Trades

Young workers are ready to power landscaping’s next chapter, but their first days on the job are also the most dangerous. Across Canada and beyond, young workers face a staggering risk. Injury statistics show they are three to four times more likely to be injured within their first month relative to experienced staff (Institute for Work and Health), with 40 to 50 per cent of all serious injuries happening in the first six months on the job (Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety).

In fast-paced and physically demanding sectors like landscaping, research shows the risks are even more pronounced. Frequent changes in work locations and tasks, a wide range of complex equipment and limited supervision can make it harder for young workers to spot dangers or speak up about what they see. Every day in Canada, more than 80 young workers (aged 15-24) are hurt at work (Association of Workers Compensation Boards of Canada), underscoring that the problem is urgent but fortunately preventable with focused training, supervision and a commitment to safety from day one.

Ayden Robertson is a senior health and safety consultant with Workplace Safety & Prevention Services who works with employers to help safeguard workers of all ages. “Every young worker should expect that safety comes first on the job,” said Robertson. “When we focus those first days on diligent training, clear instructions and active supervision, we are setting up every new employee — and the whole industry — for a safer, healthier future.”

Every new hire needs to understand their rights: the right to know about hazards they’ll face on the job, the right to participate in health and safety and the right to refuse unsafe work if needed. For employers, ensuring workers understand their rights is a legal obligation, yet exercising these rights can be challenging, especially for those eager to impress on their first job.

Why young workers matter

Canada’s landscaping sector is undergoing rapid change with workforce shortages and retirements creating a critical need for fresh talent and new perspectives. It will be imperative to recruit and retain young workers who bring energy, digital know-how, adaptability and a keen interest in sustainability to the industry. 

Connecting with young workers through high school programs, on the job training, apprenticeships and a culture of mentorship are all essential to recruitment and retention. “Safety is how this, and any, sector earns trust with the next generation. Ensure young workers know their rights, including the hazards they face and the importance of their voice on day one,” Robertson said, noting that well-structured onboarding helps improve retention and productivity as much as compliance outcomes.

Investing in young workers is an investment in the sustainability, diversity and excellence of landscaping in Canada. The future of the sector depends on engaging, protecting and growing this generation, starting with meaningful work, clear advancement and workplaces that truly care about their safety and success.

As the race to recruit and retain young talent continues, it’s critical to recognize what makes these first weeks hazardous for new hires and what employers can do about it.

Why early risk is higher

The reasons for higher injury rates reflect the reality faced by young workers. Their risk profile is unique because they are inexperienced and more likely to underestimate hazards due to low-risk perception and the belief that “it won’t happen to me,” which can raise the likelihood of mistakes and near misses during routine tasks. New to the workforce, many want to make a good impression, keep their head down and prove themselves which can suppress questions, encourage shortcutting and delay speaking up when a task feels wrong. Add production pressure, unfamiliar equipment and physically demanding roles common in landscaping and the combination helps explain why a disproportionate share of injuries occur in the first months on the job.
 When routine turns risky

These risk factors aren’t just theoretical. Tragic, high-profile cases in the sector emphasize why training, supervision and hazard control for young workers are essential, including fatal and near-fatal incidents involving stone cutting, working from ladders or with chainsaws and contact with powerlines. In May of 2023, while trimming a hedge at a residential job site in Ottawa, a young worker was tragically killed when he made contact with a 16,000 volt powerline. His loss devastated his family and co-workers and the incident subsequently led to a criminal negligence charge against his supervisor, sparking urgent discussions about responsibility and oversight in landscaping. 

These cases show how ordinary, familiar tasks can become fatal without structured hazard assessment, the proper equipment and safe work zones, especially for those new on the job. “No family, no team should ever have to experience this loss. These tragedies drive home why every safeguard, every training step, every conversation about safety truly matters,” Robertson said, emphasizing that a culture of prevention must be a shared priority.

Here are practical steps every employer can take to protect workers, meet legal obligations and secure a reputation as a safe workplace.

What employers must do

To protect workers, fulfill legal requirements and safeguard business reputation, landscaping employers should prioritize the following essential actions:

• Prioritize training and supervision: Provide equipment-specific, hands on training for all powered tools and attachments, verify competence through observation in real conditions and structure the first 30 to 60 days with a buddy system and regular check-ins. “Two minutes of ‘watch and learn’ is not training. If a supervisor can’t see it done safely, the job can’t start,” Robertson said.
• Plan for high-risk conditions: Young workers often lack the experience to recognize when conditions make a task riskier. Adapt work methods for young staff. Always use the safest method when dealing with slopes, weather or powerlines and reinforce fall protection rules.
• Control exposures and physical strain: Because new workers are less likely to speak up about discomfort, unsafe conditions or chemical risks, ensure break schedules, job rotation, ergonomic tools, sun and heat precautions, and full training in safe handling, labelling and PPE for all chemicals and pesticides. “Don’t rely on young workers to always recognize every exposure or risk. Take the lead by setting up routines for breaks, demonstrating safe lifting and chemical handling, and actively checking in so hazards like strain, heat or chemicals get managed before they become problems,” added Robertson.
• Make safety conversations the norm: Young workers are often hesitant to raise safety concerns or admit when they are unsure. Make it clear that reporting hazards, asking questions and pausing work for safety are not just allowed, but expected and back it up with easy-to-follow, stigma-free steps for reporting concerns and investigating them promptly. “When leaders listen, respond and show genuine care and concern, it helps prevent injuries but also creates a happier, more productive and engaged team,” Robertson said.

For landscape employers and supervisors, driving prevention means leading real conversations each day. Landscape Ontario’s Tailgate Talks Guide helps crews discuss vital safety topics and build a culture of awareness. The WSPS Health & Safety Awareness Presentation (HSAP) is designed for onboarding, making compliance actionable and clear from day one.- 

For parents, WSPS’s “First Job, Safe Job” blog provides conversation starters and key information to support teens and foster a partnership between home and work.-

“Safety is a shared responsibility. It’s something we build together,” Robertson said. “When everyone gets involved, when we all make safety a priority, safety becomes part of the culture and lives are protected, laying the groundwork for a healthier future.”

The information in this article is accurate as of its publication date.