WorkSafe Crackdown Highlights Urgent Need to Protect Apprentices

WorkSafe has taken enforcement action against 66 businesses over the past five years for health and safety breaches that injured apprentices or exposed them to serious risk, resulting in $7.38 million in fines, court costs and enforceable undertakings.

Tragically, nine of these prosecutions – linked to five fatal incidents – accounted for $3.21 million of the total penalties imposed.

WorkSafe Chief Health and Safety Officer Sam Jenkin said apprentices were among the most vulnerable workers, with most aged between 15 and 24 and often entering the workforce with limited experience and minimal understanding of their rights and risks.

"Most of these young workers are just starting out. Their first years on the job or in a new industry should set them up for life with good habits and strong examples of safe work practices," Mr Jenkin said.

"Instead, some are being exposed to serious health and safety risks and, in some cases, behaviour that is completely unacceptable – the kind of conduct no worker should ever face."

Data shows young workers, including many apprentices, face the greatest likelihood of injury within the first six months of starting a new job. Inexperience, lack of task familiarity and inadequate supervision are key contributing factors.

Since the beginning of 2021, more than 3,000 workers' compensation claims have been accepted from apprentices. Falls from height accounted for 410 of those claims, as well as 38 prosecutions and $2.48 million in penalties. These incidents have resulted in severe outcomes, including skull fractures, brain bleeds, traumatic brain injuries, spinal and vertebral damage, and multiple fractures.

More than 50 claims – along with a significant number of prosecutions – involved psychosocial hazards such as workplace bullying and harassment, or occupational violence and aggression. These cases highlight the importance of robust WHS management systems and clear policies for managing both physical and psychological risks. Employers can support compliance by implementing structured WHS frameworks and documented procedures, such as those available from specialist providers, including WHS management systems and Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS).

Mr Jenkin said it was deeply concerning that many apprentices affected by bullying, harassment or violence initially felt too intimidated to report what was happening, or believed that resigning was their only option.

"When you’re young and new to an industry, it can be really daunting to speak up – especially when the person you’d be reporting is your boss or someone you depend on for your training and career progression," he said.

"That’s why it is crucial employers build workplace cultures where safety and respect are non-negotiable and apprentices know they’ll be heard, supported and protected."

WorkSafe works closely with the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA), sharing information and intelligence on employers of apprentices and trainees. Over the past five years, the VRQA has banned more than 100 businesses from employing apprentices, with around 40 per cent of those bans imposed for health and safety reasons.

VRQA CEO Stefanie Veal emphasised that employers’ duties to provide a safe working environment for apprentices and trainees are absolute.

"An employer’s obligation to ensure the safety of their apprentices and trainees is non-negotiable and the VRQA won’t hesitate to take action when they fail to do so," Ms Veal said.

"The information shared between WorkSafe and the VRQA is essential to ensuring we can safeguard Victoria’s apprentices and trainees from both physical and psychological harm."

Apprentices are employed across a broad range of Victorian industries, including manufacturing, sports and recreation, and wholesale and retail trade. However, the construction sector accounts for the majority of incidents – 61 per cent of injury claims and almost 70 per cent of WorkSafe prosecutions involved construction workplaces.

Mr Jenkin noted that while young workers bring innovation, fresh skills and long-term capability to organisations, they often require additional guidance, supervision and structured WHS support.

"Apprentices shouldn’t be left to figure out safety on their own when they’re new to the workforce and might not even know what safe practices look like," he said.

"Whether it’s falls from height, bullying, working alone or setting up safe systems of work, there is a wealth of guidance and resources available to assist employers in meeting their obligations. It’s up to businesses to integrate these into their WHS management systems, training programs and day-to-day supervision."

Apprentices and other young workers with concerns about health and safety in their workplace are encouraged to contact WorkSafe’s advisory service on 1800 136 089.

Media enquiries: media@worksafe.vic.gov.au or 0438 786 968.