Young workers (under 25 years old) and inexperienced workers (less than 2 years’ experience), may be more susceptible to workplace injuries. In 2022 for the under 25’s there were 16 fatalities, that’s a Fatality rate 0.8 per 100,000 workers (Worker fatalities by age group, 2022)
It’s crucial for employers to provide proper training, supervision, and a supportive environment to ensure their safety. Young workers / inexperienced workers also have a responsibility to follow safety procedures and communicate any concerns to their supervisors
Key Risks and Vulnerabilities to young/inexperienced workers are:
- Inexperience, unfamiliarity to workplace hazards and safety procedures.
- Lack of confidence, hesitation to speak up about safety concerns or ask for help.
- Desire to impress, take unnecessary risks to appear competent or keep up with more experienced workers.
- Physical and psychological immaturity, they may not have the physical strength or maturity to handle certain tasks or situations.
Employers have legal responsibilities to these workers:
- Provide comprehensive training
- Offer adequate supervision.
- Foster a positive safety culture.
- Provide appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Conduct regular safety inspections.
- Encourage participation.
However, assistance is also available online! For example, WorkSafe WA ‘Smart-Move’ is a Work Health and Safety (WHS) online educational program for senior high school students, young workers entering the workforce on work placement, work experience, or as school-based trainee/apprentice, and new workers entering the workforce for the first time. Smart-Move is also designed for young people who are entering casual or part-time work on their free time and those who work on seasonal jobs.
If you have a young person in your family who is about to enter the workforce or have just employed a young worker you can visit Smart moves here:
https://smartmove.safetyline.wa.gov.au/
https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/safety-topic/managing-health-and-safety/young-workers/overview
https://data.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/insights/key-whs-statistics-australia/2023