A code of practice covering the safety and health of young people in workplaces available

2/7/99
A code of practice covering the safety and health of children and young people in workplaces is now available.
Produced by the WorkSafe Western Australia Commission, the code of practice is the result of extensive discussions between the State Government, employers, unions and members of the public.
Labour Relations Minister Cheryl Edwardes said today that young people were our future and we needed to take every care to ensure their safety.
"Where young workers are concerned, I can not stress strongly enough the need for comprehensive induction and training, as well as close supervision," Mrs Edwardes said.
WA laws cover any child or young person in a workplace, regardless of their reason for being there.
Mrs Edwardes cited the examples of a child who is in a children's hospital, a child who lives on a farm or workers who take their children to work with them during school holidays.
"While these young people are not actually working, they are in a potentially hazardous workplace which is covered under WA's occupational safety and health laws," she said.
Statistics show that young workers have more workplace accidents than workers of other ages.
WorkSafe Western Australia does not have formal statistics on accidents involving children in workplaces, as these incidents are not reportable. However, the department is aware of many tragic accidents involving children in workplaces.
Codes of practice are not themselves law, but they provide practical advice on how to comply with the requirements of the laws.
This code provides information for employers, managers, supervisors, parents and young workers themselves.
Copies are available from WorkSafe Western Australia.
Media contact: Nicole Trigwell - 9421 7777