SafeWork NSW is using Youth Week to remind employers of their legal obligations to ensure the safety and well-being of the over half a million young workers in New South Wales, urging them to reflect on workplace safety for employees aged 25 and under.
According to SafeWork NSW, each year, more than 15,000 young workers in the state are injured on the job, resulting in over $60 million in workers’ compensation claims.
The human and financial costs of these injuries are significant, and SafeWork NSW urges employers to take proactive steps in providing a safe working environment.
Trent Curtin, head of SafeWork NSW, emphasized the importance of creating workplaces where young workers feel comfortable speaking up about safety concerns.
“Workplace incidents can cause life-changing injuries, illness, and death, and are especially sad when they happen to young workers,” Curtin said.
“If you employ young workers or work experience students, make sure you understand your obligations to protect them and support their health and safety at work.”
SafeWork NSW has also provided guidance on what employers are legally required to provide. These include a safe and healthy workplace, appropriate equipment, training, and supervision, as well as the opportunity for workers to raise any safety issues.
The message to young workers is clear: if a task feels unsafe or they are unsure of how to perform a job safely, they should stop and seek assistance.
“Young workers often lack experience, are still developing physically and mentally, can be eager to make a good impression, and may be reluctant to ask questions,” Curtin noted.
“It is important that young people feel comfortable to speak up if they have any issues.”
For those who are concerned about raising safety issues directly, SafeWork NSW encourages young workers to use the Speak Up Save Lives webpage to report anonymously.
Recent incidents involving young workers underscore the risks they face in various industries. For instance, a 19-year-old apprentice plumber was seriously injured when he fell from a two-storey roof, fracturing his back.
In another case, a 16-year-old farm worker was severely injured when a buggy she was driving overturned, breaking both of her legs.
SafeWork NSW has also developed a Young Worker eToolkit, which includes training materials and safety resources for young employees, as well as a YouTube video outlining the five key rights of young workers.
In addition to these resources, SafeWork NSW stresses the importance of workplace culture in preventing injuries.
Employers are encouraged to actively engage with their young workers, ensuring they are not only properly trained but also comfortable in voicing concerns about safety.
“Employers not taking the time to ensure their workplace is safe is not worth the risk,” Curtin concluded.
