Young workers can lack the experience, knowledge and skills to identify and deal with potential hazards. Inexperience and a lack of awareness can increase the likelihood of a young worker being injured.
Young workers can be:
- apprentices or trainees
- school students on work experience
- full time, part time or casual employees
- school students with a part time or casual job
- school or tertiary students on a work placement as a part of a course.
The most common injuries to young workers are sprains, strains and fractures; burns; open wounds and bruising and crushing. The harsh reality is that 15 young workers aged between 15 and 25 are injured or even killed each day while working in NSW.
The good news is that many workplace incidences are preventable. By instilling appropriate work practices and behaviours early in their working life, young workers can avoid workplace injuries that can limit their future opportunities.
WorkCover has developed and funded a range of resources to help raise awareness of workplace hazards for employers, supervisors, teachers, parents and young people.
Call 13 10 50 for information and assistance, if you have questions or are concerned about safety in your workplace. WorkCover staff are here to help. You can ask questions without leaving your details.