Accidents at work among children under the age of 16 have increased by 36% by 2021, according to the Standards for Law Enforcement, Equality, Health and Safety Commission (CNESST) in Quebec. CNESST notes that 203 children were involved in accidents at work last year, compared to 149 children last year. The youngest is 12 years old.
Released at 7:15 p.m.
“Considering the large number of young people entering the labor market, this does not surprise me,” said Mary Leberz, an associate professor at the University of Montreal School of Rehabilitation. “Like me, you may have noticed the very young workers in the shops. The epidemic has created a labor shortage. ⁇
Since the advent of COVID-19, companies have been snatching away workers, especially fast food. The owner of a Tim Hortons wants to keep his name quiet because he does not have the authority to speak to the media through the brand and summarize the situation: “Before, we took women. Today, we have no choice. In his right, we have been hiring since he was 13 years old.
There is no minimum age in Quebec
In Quebec, contrary to popular belief, there is no minimum age to work after school or on weekends. However, children under the age of 14 must obtain written permission from their parents. The Labor Standards Act It also makes it clear that an employer cannot be asked to do work that is harmful to a child’s health.
This, of course, does not prevent them from injuring themselves. Especially since they are often asked to do dangerous things, including handling heavy loads.
We make them do it [aux enfants] Tasks that no one wants to do.
Mary Laberge, Associate Professor in the School of Rehabilitation at the University of Montreal
If so, it is not surprising that the first cause of injury among 16-year-olds is the fall of equipment, tools or machinery. Of the ‘accident types’, burns and ‘overwork’ were ranked second and third, respectively.
Working at a very young age can have serious consequences, especially for those who do odd jobs and are therefore in a constant learning situation. As CNESST reminds us, “the weeks following hiring, all ages, are at risk of injury”.
These work accidents, which will be compensated in good and proper form by CNESST in 2021, will only be the tip of the iceberg. Researchers and lawyers Many young people are reluctant to report to the CNESST, as they may not always be aware of its existence.
It is difficult to know how many children under the age of 16 work during the school year or summer. In 2016-2017, before the epidemic and labor shortage, a survey of youth health in high school showed that more than half were employed.
CNESST’s latest figures show that child labor is widespread in both urban and rural Quebec. Apparently, three regions appear to be the worst students: Mauricie and Center-du-Québec, Chaudière-Appalaches and Capitale-Nationale with 27, 25 and 21 injured children, respectively. Montreal and its inner suburbs (Laval and Longville) work slightly better with 23.
Limitations elsewhere in Canada
Quebec is the only Canadian province with no minimum age for child labor. Many provinces also limit the number of hours a child can work each week. In Manitoba, the minimum age is 13, which is 20. In Alberta, the minimum age is 13 and the cap is 31.
CNESST made its data public when the Senate passed a bill on April 28 Combating forced labor and child labor in supply chains. Senator Julie Mivil-Deccan, who introduced it, said the situation was “paradoxical”. In 2016, the federal parliament approved the 138th agreement of the International Labor Organization, stating that the minimum age for employment is 16 years. But Quebec has not set a minimum age since Rene Leweski’s first government repealed it.
“We are far from being a role model,” the senator said. Quebec needs to revise its labor standards. Not all child labor is unacceptable, but it needs to be better regulated. If a 12-year-old boy is injured at work, it is worrying and worrying. ⁇
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