In 2024 more than 2,300 workers under 25-year-old were injured seriously enough at work in Victorian to receive workers compensation – including 140 of them for psychological injuries.
This summer WorkSafe are urging employers to prioritise young worker safety and provide processes and systems that consider the age of their workers and their capabilities and experience levels.
Each day around 200 young Victorians become a part of our workforce, bringing their youthful energy, enthusiasm and ideas. We know that young workers are often less aware of occupational health as safety risks and unfortunately, many of them will be injured.
Of those young workers, approximately:
- 25% were working in the construction industry
- 11% were working in healthcare and social assistance
- 9% were working in manufacturing
- 9% were working in accommodation and food services
The most common causes of injuries to young workers were:
- being hit by moving objects, 35%
- body stress, 27%
- falls, trips and slips, 22%
- hitting objects with part of the body, 6%
Employers have a duty and a responsibility to ensure that they provide a safe workplace for all workers, with a special focus on young and inexperienced workers.
If you or any young worker you know has questions or concerns, you can get in touch with the Young Workers Centre here https://www.youngworkers.org.au/
Read more: Young workers and OHS - OHS Reps
Young workers: information for employers | WorkSafe Victoria
