Young worker safety targeted by cross-border program

A 16-year-old apprentice carpenter was injured in an incident at a construction site at Albury in January 2018 when he fell 3.5 metres from scaffolding while installing cladding. Before the worker fell through the gap, a plank had been removed from the scaffolding so that materials could be placed through it.

This is one of the many serious incidents involving young workers in the Victorian and New South Wales construction industry, which have prompted the Cross Border Construction Program. The program is a joint initiative between WorkSafe Victoria and SafeWork NSW and was formed to address the alarming statistics that showed 49 young workers aged 15–24 were injured in Victoria every week in 2015/16, with construction one of the leading sectors to reduce the risk of young workers being injured.

Joint visits to workplaces in the Albury/Wodonga region will be carried out over coming weeks with inspections taking place from 19–23 March.The inspectors will also discuss the similarities, and differences, between the Victorian and NSW work health and safety regulations and how employers and workers can meet their obligations.

WorkSafe Head of Hazardous Industries and Industry Practice Michael Coffey said young workers were often still developing physically and mentally and sometimes lacked the experience, knowledge and skills to understand the risks involved in their work.

"We know they are injured more frequently than other workers, and also that the injuries they sustain tend to be more severe in nature," Coffey said.

"If you're an employer or supervisor, fellow worker, or even a parent or friend, we urge you to take an interest in young workers and ask them what they've been doing and how they keep safe.

"Our message to young workers is to speak up if you are unsure about something."

SafeWork NSW Group Director Regional and Response Operations Tony Williams said starting a new job was an exciting experience for a young person; however, many take risks that more experienced workers would not.

"That's why it's essential that all businesses provide young workers with appropriate training and supervision through induction programs and safety training, so they understand the business's safety policies and procedures and are able to speak up about safety issues," Williams said.

For further information on young worker safety, visit www.worksafe.vic.gov.au or www.safework.nsw.gov.au.

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