Tradie Health Month puts young workers’ safety in focus
12 Aug 2024•BlueSafe Team•Source: SafeWork NSW
SafeWork NSW is urging tradies to review and raise workplace health and safety concerns during August’s Tradie Health Month, with particular attention to training, support and supervision for young workers.
About 20 per cent of incidents reported to SafeWork NSW from 2017 to 2021 involved an injury to a young worker. The regulator highlighted a recent incident in which a 19-year-old cabinetry apprentice broke his ribs after falling approximately three metres into a stair void.
SafeWork NSW says construction businesses must protect workers and give young tradies the training and supervision they need. Young workers must also be supported to speak up about safety concerns.
The regulator’s message to young workers is to stop and check if they are unsure about something. Workers who see unsafe conditions but are worried about raising them can make an anonymous report through the Speak Up Save Lives app.
SafeWork NSW has also developed a Young Worker eToolkit with tips and training materials covering workplace safety rights and responsibilities.
Head of SafeWork NSW Trent Curtin said workplace incidents could lead to life-changing injuries, illness and death. He urged businesses employing young workers or work experience students to understand their obligations to protect them and support their health and safety.
“They are vulnerable. They often lack experience, are still developing physically and mentally, are eager to make a good impression and can be reluctant to ask questions,” Mr Curtin said.
“Not taking the time to ensure their workplace safety is not worth the risk.”
How Blue Safe can help: Our free WHS self-check can help you review your approach to workplace health and safety and identify areas for closer attention, including how you support young workers. Take the free WHS self-check