It has long been accepted that the retail industry is the primary employer of young workers right across Australia. As a result of this the health and safety of young workers is an issue of significant importance to retailers.
There has been ongoing concern among health professionals over the last few years in relation to a growing disparity between workers’ compensation statistics and hospitalisation rates in relation to the rate of young workers injured at work. The hospitalisation statistics indicate a concerning number of workplace injuries involving young workers.
As a result of this YouthSafe (the peak, not-for-profit organisation concerned with youth injury in NSW) has worked with the ARA to successfully obtain a significant grant from WorkCover NSW to develop an OHS resource kit for employers in relation to young workers, specifically those attending years seven to ten at school (i.e. generally workers who have not previously held employment).
During the next 12 months we will be working with our members to better understand the issues facing employers in regards to the health and safety of young workers. This will involve some surveying of members as well as seeking member input into the nature of any resources prepared. We strongly encourage as many members as possible to become involved in this process – the more input we get the better the product we will develop. Any member who would like to be involved should contact Mark Mullins on (03) 9321 5000.
