Hi everyone, my name's Jason and I'm a work health and safety advisor from the Education team at SafeWork SA.

Many young South Australians are starting their first jobs after leaving school or University.

SafeWork SA is reminding employers that new starters need extra attention to ensure that they're able to work safely.

Young workers have a higher rate of injury than older workers and are overly represented in workers compensation claims.

Common causes of injuries young workers are often more vulnerable to include operating plant and machinery, using hand tools and knives, manual handling, contact with electricity, working on or around vehicles and quad bikes, working at heights, workplace violence or bullying.

New starters also are super keen to impress and don't always know the correct processes and procedures to ensure their work safety and that of their workmates. Determined to get their careers off to a good start young workers can ignore risks to get ahead.

With some workplaces continuing to endure Covid-19 related staff shortages it's important to plan and not rush to get young workers on the shop floor unprepared or unequipped with the knowledge and training they need to complete tasks safely.

Young workers have a unique risk profile and it's up to employers to consider this when managing them. A proper induction, plenty of support training and supervision are vital.

This risk profile applies irrespective of the young workers employment status. Whether they be on work experience, casually employed, a subcontractor, apprentice, or trainee.

Most young people learn by watching others so it's important those who supervise young workers understand this.

Supervisors and managers influence the health and safety of young workers through good work design. Good work designed for young workers includes effective induction and training, appropriate supervision and feedback and support and mentoring.

As a supervisor or manager of a young worker you have the greatest influence on their attitude to work safety. This means ensuring an appropriate level of supervision relevant to the tasks that they are performing.

In addition, by providing good feedback and supportive mentoring young workers will become more aware of how to do the job safely. Engaging with young workers through consultation will also enable them to share their ideas around work health and safety and to help improve how safety is managed in your workplace.

For further information on young worker health and safety please visit the SafeWork SA website or contact us on 1300 365 255.