Nearly 20 per cent of all workplace injuries experienced by Australian workers were involved individuals 25-years old and younger.
Safe Work Australia’s Work-related injuries experienced by young workers 2009-2010, report found the injury rate of young workers (the rate of injuries per 1,000 workers) was 18 per cent higher than for those aged over 25.
Compared to workers aged 25 and over (56.2/1000 workers), the rate for younger workers was significantly higher at approximately 66.1 OHS injuries per 1000. The report revealed that the disparity was greatest in the manufacturing, accommodation, food service, healthcare and construction industries.
The report also showed that nearly 66 per cent of injured workers never applied for workers compensation, with about half of them feeling their injury was too minor to lodge a claim.
Chair of Safe Work Australia, Ann Sherry stressed the need for young people to comprehend the various safety issues in their workplaces and learn the value of following procedures.
“Often in their first jobs, young workers can get caught up with the excitement of entering the workforce,” Ms Sherry said.
“They may overlook the need to be familiar with the potential workplace hazards and safety procedures in place.”
She said the statistics in the report showed why it was necessary for young people to learn safe workplace practices and who they should go to for help.
“The safety habits and behaviours they learn now will set them up for positive safe work practices for the remainder of their working lives,” she said.
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Source: http://www.psnews.com.au/Page_psn3543.html
