WorkSafe: Would you work for you?
WorkSafe: Would you work for you?
As an employer or supervisor, have you ever taken a moment to see yourself through the eyes of your young workers? Young workers bring a range of benefits to workplaces, including innovation, new skills and future talent. They are also often at the start of their career, less familiar with OHS rights and hesitant to speak up about workplace safety matters.
As an employer, it’s your responsibility to keep young workers safe.
The most common hazards related to young workers (15–24-year-olds) in the construction industry, as shown by injury claims, are:
- Lifting, pushing, pulling and handling materials
- Slips, trips and falls
- Using hand tools.
Young workers are more likely to value their health and safety when the people closest to them do including their co-workers and employers. Here are some tips to help you support your young workers.
Young workers need your support
Pay specific attention to the needs of young workers in your workplace. They must be properly trained and supervised, and given sufficient information so they can work safely.
Start the conversation
Young workers often have good questions, fresh eyes and new ideas to put forward. Employees’ expertise and hands-on experience can make a significant contribution to improving workplace health and safety.
Tailor their training
When delivering training, treat each employee as if they are new to your workplace. Only ask young workers to do the work if they fully understand the task.
Lead by example
Supervisors should always reinforce health and safety on the job and wear or use correct personal protective equipment.
Develop policies and procedures – and enforce them
Have health and safety policies and procedures in place that are agreed and understood by the workplace. Examples of policies and procedures that can improve young worker safety include those addressing workplace bullying, violence and harassment.
Foster a positive safety environment
Implement a ‘buddy’ system by pairing young workers with experienced workers.
Are you giving your young workers the skills to stay safe? For more resources, visit www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/would-you-work-for-you
