Hannah Hammoud
Worksafe Victoria has opened its free and interactive WorkSafe 101 program across the state, helping prepare students in Victoria from years nine to 12 to enter the workforce safely.
Throughout 2022, WorkSafe accepted 615 claims from workers aged 19 or younger, including 264 from casual or part-time workers and 185 from apprentices, including 207 claims relating to cuts and amputations, 112 related to fractures, 24 related to burns and 23 related to mental injuries.
In the northern metropolitan region, which includes the Hume and Whittlesea local government areas, WorkSafe accepted 72 injury claims from workers aged 15-19.
The program has been designed in collaboration with teachers and career practitioners. The program includes e-learning modules, videos with examples from workplaces where young people are commonly employed and teacher-led activities that cover OHS basics.
WorkSafe health and safety executive director Narelle Beer said research has shown young workers were more likely to accept unsafe work conditions and less likely to raise safety concerns or to report issues when they do occur, due to lack of knowledge, experience and awareness about occupational health and safety.
“Many young people are starting a part-time job or moving from school to the workforce – we owe it to young workers to give them the knowledge to work safely and the confidence to speak up when something doesn’t feel right,” she said.
“Starting your first job is a huge milestone and a reason for young workers and their families to feel proud.
“Sadly, too many young workers soon find that celebration turns to tragedy.
“… We hope that this will help empower students with the skills to be able to say ‘that doesn’t look right’ and to query what’s actually going on in the workplace.”
Details: www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/worksafe-101-high-schools
