An audit of the safety standards in place for young workers in a number of industries in Canberra has engaged with more than 577 young employees since WorkSafe ACT began it last year.
Minister for Employment and Workplace Safety, Rachel Stephen-Smith said WorkSafe inspectors had worked closely with young people, employers and workers across the industries which included construction, electrical, carpentry, plumbing, hairdressing, hospitality, automotive and aged care services.
“In addition, WorkSafe ACT inspectors presented to 700 stakeholders during the course of the audit including employers, Group Training Organisations, Registered Training Organisations and schools,” Ms Stephen-Smith said.
“This has been an important undertaking as we know young people, including apprentices and trainees, are often more vulnerable to unsafe work practices than other workers.”
She said this could come from inexperience in the work they were doing, or just being new to the workplace.
“The audit has focused on health and safety obligations for employers of young workers, as well as supervision and support, training and induction to worksites and workplaces,” Ms Stephen-Smith said.
She said that while the official audit around young workers would conclude at the end of June, it would remain a continuing focus for Government and for regulators.
“We have a dedicated WorkSafe ACT inspector focusing on apprentices to ensure that safety is their number one priority and that supervising employers are aware of their responsibilities,” the Minister said.
