August is Tradie Health Month, which SafeWork NSW says is the perfect time for tradies to review and speak up about any work health and safety (WHS) concerns to ensure they can have a long and healthy career.
Young tradies in particular need appropriate training, support and supervision. From 2017-2021, approximately 20 percent of incidents reported to SafeWork NSW were the result of an injury to a young worker. Just last week, a 19-year-old cabinetry apprentice fell approximately three meters in a stair void, breaking his ribs.
Construction businesses must ensure they are creating environments where workers are protected and where young tradies receive the correct training, supervision and are empowered to speak up.
If you're an employer, legally you must provide:
- a safe and healthy workplace,
- safe equipment, structures, and systems of work,
- adequate workplace amenities and facilities,
- information, instruction, training and supervision, and
- the opportunity for workers to talk about WHS and raise issues.
For young workers, SafeWork’s message is that if you are not sure about something, stop and check – it’s the safe way, or no way. If you see something that isn’t safe on a worksite and are worried about raising it, you can speak up anonymously using the Speak Up Save Lives app.
SafeWork has also developed a Young Worker eToolkit for employees and workers, containing tips and training materials about work safety rights and responsibilities.
Head of SafeWork NSW Trent Curtin said:
“Workplace incidents can cause life changing injuries, illness and death.”
“If you employ young workers or work experience students, make sure you understand your obligations to protect them and support their health and safety at work. They are vulnerable. They often lack experience, are still developing physically and mentally, are eager to make a good impression and can be reluctant to ask questions.”
“Not taking the time to ensure their workplace safety is not worth the risk.”
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