SafeWork calls for young workers to speak up and save lives

SafeWork NSW says those employing young people should ensure they are in an environment where there is correct training and supervision, and that workers feel empowered to speak up with any concerns.

In NSW more than half-a-million people aged 25 years and under are in the workforce. More than 15,000 young people are injured at work each year, costing $60 million in workers compensation claims, making it important employers understand the human and monetary cost of inaction.

SafeWork says all businesses, from farms to hospitality to construction sites, must ensure they are creating safe working environments. If you’re an employer, legally you must provide:

• A safe and healthy workplace;

• Safe equipment, structures, and systems of work;

• Adequate workplace amenities and facilities;

• Information, instruction, training and supervision; and

• The opportunity for workers to talk about Work Health and Safety and raise issues.

SafeWork’s message to young workers is if you are not sure if a task is safe to do, or if you don’t know how to do it safely, the most important thing is to stop and ask someone about it.

If you see something that isn’t safe on a worksite and are worried about raising it, you can speak up anonymously using the Speak Up Save Lives webpage at https://speakup.safework.nsw.gov.au.