Safety on the job is a matter of mutual respect By Brice Roy SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER For students across Canada, a part-time job can be an opportunity to learn, gain experience and further develop skills they will need to achieve their dreams. Unfortunately, the workplace can also be a dangerous environment when health and safety is not the No. 1 priority. This message was not lost on students at T.A. Blakelock High School Wednesday. The students were given a crash course on safety in the workplace called "Knowledge Transfer" by Rob Ellis of mysafework.com. Since the death of his son, David, 18, in a tragic workplace accident in 1999, Ellis has been speaking out and spreading awareness about workplace safety to students, employers, and executives. Throughout his speaking tours that have led him all over North America, Ellis' message has been the same. Employers must give students and young people proper respect, on-the-job training and instruction to avoid potentially dangerous situations. In addition, students must overcome their potential fears and be confident in voicing their safety concerns. "It's the responsibility of the employer first and foremost, but it is a two-way street. 7 · Friday, April 27, 2012 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.insideHALTON.com PHOTOS BY NIKKI WESLEY / OAKVILLE BEAVER / @halton_photog SAFETY FIRST: Rob Ellis recalls seeing his son, David, in hospital following an on-the-job accident dur- ing his second day working unsupervised and untrained in a bakery. The 18-year-old succumbed to his injuries. Ellis spoke to Grades 11 and 12 students during a Health and Safety Assembly at T.A. Blakelock High School Wednesday. At right, teacher Lorraine Yuill displays student safety charter cards that were distributed. "Traditionally, we have said, `Say `No', just keep your head down and get the job'. I'm asking students for a behavioural change very similar to seatbelts." See Future page 11 The student has to be on time, do a job and be safe," said Ellis. "If they feel uncomfortable, ask questions. They still haven't got over their fear yet. That's where we made some inroads today." "The next step is probably in the job interview process. Employers always ask the question in interviews, `Do you have any questions about this job?' CLASSES NEXT WEEK April 30th until May 6th 10 FREE ALL CLASSES ARE FREE! NO DANCE EXPERIENCE NECESSARY Monday ZUMBA TONING 9:30 AM Planet Workout TM Tuesday Wednesday ZUMBA 9:30 AM Planet Workout ® Thursday Friday ZUMBA 101 (Basic Level) 9:30 AM Planet Workout ® Saturday Sunday ZUMBA® 9:30AM Oakville Academy ZUMBA TONINGTM 10:00 AM Oakville Academy ZUMBA TONINGTM 7:30 PM Planet Workout ZUMBA® 8:30PM Oakville Academy ZUMBA® 7:30 PM Planet Workout ZUMBA® 8:30PM Oakville Academy ZUMBA® 10:00 AM Planet Workout Annie Char The Oakville Academy for the Arts - 1011 Upper Middle Rd and Eighth Line, Oakville Planet Workout - (No Membership Required) 3345 Laird Rd, Mississauga CONTACT US FOR MOTHER'S DAY GIFT CERTIFICATES AND STUDENTS SUMMER PROMOTION Luisa Mayhew www.zumbapassion.ca