At risk workers

At risk agriculture workers

Greater numbers of workers from diverse backgrounds present unique safety risks due to varying levels of literacy and numeracy, age and experience. Factors that increase their exposure to harm include poor English language skills, being vulnerable to exploitation, and valuing job security over health and safety. Anecdotal evidence indicates that the growing use of labour hire could contribute to increased risk.

The Roadmap has identified four at-risk groups:

• workers from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
• migrant workers
• young workers (14-25)
• workers engaged through labour hire organisations.

SafeWork NSW has committed to conducting research and engagement with stakeholders to better understand the work health and safety challenges faced by these at-risk worker groups and inform the development of initiatives to improve the health and safety outcomes.

Initial challenges will be further considered with the agricultural sector.

SafeWork NSW has committed to conducting research and engagement with stakeholders to measure improvements in health and safety outcomes for at-risk workers. Findings will be used to inform initiatives to increase the safety of at-risk workers.