Young people are more likely to be injured at work as they are often unfamiliar with workplace hazards and safety procedures. Young workers have one of the highest proportions of work related injury in the Country and it is important that both young employees and their employer’s understand each other’s responsibilities to help keep you safe at work. In 2007/08, more than 5600 compensation claims were lodged by young workers.

As an employer, you must ensure the work environment and the way workers carry out their work is safe and healthy, regardless of the type and terms of their employment. This includes protecting them from both physical and psychological workplace hazards, such as slippery floors, lifting heavy loads, faulty or unguarded machinery and equipment, chemicals, bullying, violence and fatigue. Consider the tasks you give to new and young workers, given their skills, abilities and experience. As an employer, you must make sure workers have enough information, training and supervision to enable them to work safely.

This training should:

• show workers how to do their job safely and how to recognise hazards on the job
• provide and show them how to safely use the necessary machinery and equipment
• provide and show them how to safely wear and use any personal protective equipment, such as gloves, safety footwear and goggles
• show them how to report any safety concerns or hazards
• help them get to know the workplace layout, their immediate supervisor, health and safety representative and workmates
• make it easy for new and young workers to ask questions – don’t assume they will ask.

As an employer, you are responsible for sharing information with workers about workplace health and safety matters, including:

• asking for their input when looking at any workplace hazards and ways to control those hazards
• discussing new machinery and equipment when it is introduced into their work area
• discussions at team or toolbox meetings where health and safety concerns can be raised
• discussions with health and safety representatives.