WorkSafe ACT Launches new Young Workers Strategy
Visit the new WorkSafe ACT Young Workers Web Portal.
WorkSafe ACT is making sure young workers will be better protected against exploitation and injury through the development of the inaugural Young Workers Strategy 2021-2023.
Young workers are one of the most vulnerable cohorts in workplaces. Inexperience, inadequate training and supervision, and being unaware of their work health and safety (WHS) rights and responsibilities are all key factors in young workers being at a higher risk of physical and psychological injuries.
WorkSafe ACT will be conducting a range of activities under this Strategy including general and targeted awareness campaigns in schools, apprentice groups and with stakeholders to speak about the role of WorkSafe ACT, WHS duties and obligations and reporting and confidentially, so young workers feel safe to come forward to report an issue.
Work Health and Safety Commissioner, Jacqueline Agius, is demonstrating her commitment to building relationships with this at-risk cohort.
“With a dedicated inspector who will be able to support young workers and fully understand their needs, we are excited to work towards a future where young workers are more secure and their work health and safety responsibilities are being met and exceeded.”
WorkSafe ACT will be making sure businesses are meeting their obligations through proactive and targeted compliance and enforcement campaigns.
“We have consulted widely to make sure we are capturing the priorities of our young workers. In consulting with CIT apprentices, the ACT Young Workers’ Centre and the ACT Government Youth Advisory Council, I was able to better understand the needs of young workers to make sure this strategy was going to be effective in resolving the issues that are being experienced in ACT workplaces.”
“Everyone deserves to feel safe and heard, no one deserves to be broken by their workplace.”
Minister for Industrial Relations and Workplace Safety, Mick Gentleman said of the Strategy:
“This strategy means that young people in the ACT will be well informed and confident about their rights at work.
“Every young worker has the right to be safe at work, both physically and psychologically. Unfortunately, our young workers are at a greater risk of physical injuries and impacts on their psychological health.
“This is why we need targeted work health and safety programs and initiatives for young workers and their employers.
“WorkSafe ACT is demonstrating its commitment to supporting young workers and ensuring businesses uphold their responsibility to provide safe workplaces.”
Minister for Education and Youth Affairs and Deputy Chief Minister of the ACT, Yvette Berry also said of the Strategy:
“Young workers are some of our most vulnerable workers, and they are vital to the Canberra economy.”
“This Strategy has been developed in consultation with our young workers - including the ACT Government Youth Advisory Council - and it will deliver on the information, support and enforcement that is needed to protect them.”
Media contacts
Jackii Shepherd
0414 997 976
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