As employers start recruiting for casual employment peaks leading up to and during the summer months in Australia, we place the spotlight on workplace safety for new and young workers. 

Whether it be recruiting for vintage, or increasing manufacturing, warehouse and logistics staff to meet holiday demands, many young people will be entering the workplace for the first time. 

Research suggests that new workers are most vulnerable in their first 90 days in the workplace. We take a look at the injury stats for new and young workers in Australia, and what employers can do to protect them. 



Is there a greater risk of injury for new and young workers? 

Yes, there is a greater risk of injury for new and young workers in Australia. Young workers, typically aged 15 to 24, are often at a higher risk of workplace injuries due to several factors according to YouthSafe. These include inexperience, lack of maturity, physical capacity, social factors, and insufficient education and training and have limited work experience. Other reasons include being less aware of WHS risks and responsibilities, a reluctance to ask questions or being overly keen to please, and not knowing how to protect themselves from injury, both physical and psychological. Additionally, young workers are more likely to be employed in casual jobs, which may limit the training provided, or lengthen the time it takes to build competency in the workplace. All of this increases their vulnerability to workplace injuries. 

Recent statistics highlight the concerning rate of injuries among young workers in Australia. According to Safe Work Australia, 1 in 5 work injuries in Australia are incurred by young people under the age of 25 years. The cost of work-related injuries and illnesses to young workers in Australia is estimated to be $12 billion per year. 

Additional statistics from Safe Work Australia show that over the past ten years, there have been more than 1,850 traumatic injury fatalities in Australian workplaces, and over 1,140,000 workers have made a serious workers’ compensation claim involving more than one week of working time lost. These statistics underscore the importance of implementing effective safety measures to protect young workers in the workplace. 

Common Types of Injuries Among Young Workers in Australia 

In looking at figures of 8,129 young workers injured at work who received income or medical support, the main mechanisms of injury among this age group include muscular stress while handling objects (24%), falls on the same level (15%), and being hit by moving or falling objects (9%). 

Broken down further, Safe Work Australia lists common types of injuries among young workers to include: 

• Slips, trips, and falls: These are the most common types of workplace injuries. 
• Lacerations: Young workers employed in restaurants and grocery stores are at a higher risk of injury when working with box cutters, utility knives, sharp knives, and food slicers. 
• Burns: Common in the service industry, including retail and food services, where injuries often result from hot surfaces and liquids. 
• Heavy lifting: Injuries related to lifting heavy objects. 
• Contact with objects and equipment: Injuries from interacting with machinery and equipment. 

By understanding these common types of injuries, employers can take proactive measures to create a safer work environment for young workers. 

What can employers do to reduce risks of young workers getting injured? 

Employers play a crucial role in reducing the risks of injuries to young workers. In addition to online and on-site inductions, here are some strategies that can be implemented in the first 90 days and ongoing: 

1. Set Safety Expectations Early: From the start, set clear safety expectations and cultural norms. This includes identifying hazards, discussing mitigation strategies, and demonstrating the use of required personal protective equipment (PPE). 
2. Assign Lower-Risk Tasks Initially: Assign new employees to lower-risk, lower-workload tasks initially to help them acclimate to the work environment safely. 
3. Pair with Peer Mentors: Pair new employees with experienced peer mentors who can guide them in managing risks effectively. 
4. Engage Front-Line Leaders: Ensure front-line leaders pay particular attention to new and young employees, reinforcing positive behaviours and addressing unsafe behaviours through regular safety conversations. 
5. Provide and Reinforce Training: Ensure that young workers receive sufficient training specific to their job duties, equipment use, and site hazards. This training should be ongoing and regularly updated and include the five steps to take before starting a task: (1) stop if you see a risk or hazard, (2) ask yourself 'is it safe?', (3) ask could it hurt someone?, (4) speak up and (5) ask questions. 
6. Create a Culture of Safety: Encourage young workers to participate in safety programs and initiatives such as toolbox talks, and ensure experienced employees model the right behaviours and attitude to these programs. 

By implementing these strategies, employers can create a safer work environment for young workers and reduce the risk of injuries. 

If you’re looking for assistance in managing your casual workforce, contact Acclaimed Workforce today.