Businesses across New South Wales are being urged to prioritize the safety of young workers in the new year according to WorkCover New South Wales (NSW).
WorkCover NSW Chief Executive Lisa Hunt said many young people and school leavers start their first job in the new year, and employers and colleagues should take special care to alert these workers to potential safety hazards.
“Workers under 25 may be more vulnerable to workplace safety risks because of their youth and inexperience or reluctance to speak up about safety concerns,” Hunt said. “WorkCover data indicates that each day in New South Wales, 15 young people are injured on the job. Around 13% of all employment injuries and occupational diseases occur among the State’s 562,000 young workers."
According to Hunt, in 2007/08, more than 5,600 compensation claims were lodged by young workers, and although this is a 3.5% decrease on the previous year, there is still more work to be done to further reduce injuries.
“Every workplace injury is one too many," Hunt noted. “Employers are required to ensure that all workers, including those new to a job or industry, are provided with sufficient training and support to undertake their work safely." Hunt said particular attention must be taken in high-risk areas such as working at heights, using electrical equipment, plant and machinery and working with chemicals and dangerous goods.
Employers, in consultation with their workers should:
1. Provide adequate training and supervision in all tasks.
2. Provide a comprehensive induction.
3. Identify safety risks and put procedures in place to reduce and control risks.
4. Encourage open communication about safety issues.
Young workers also have a responsibility to conduct their work safely and should:
1. Follow all safety procedures and ask questions if uncertain.
2. Report any risks and hazards to a supervisor or colleague.
3. Use safety equipment and protective clothing if needed.
4. Find out how to report an injury. (workersxzcompxzkit)
“I urge all employers and workers returning to work after the holiday period to make workplace safety a priority throughout the year,” Hunt said.
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