Figures show high incidence of young people's work injuries

13/8/96

Every week at least one young Western Australian suffers a serious injury at work, often resulting in amputation.

According to latest workplace injury figures released by Labour Relations Minister Graham Kierath today, a total of 8,206 young workers were injured in 1994-95, with an average time off work of 13 days.

Mr Kierath said too many young people started work with the bitter experience of injury.

He launched a new TAFE and vocational training package today that will teach students and young workers how to spot workplace hazards and become involved in risk control.

Speaking at the launch, Mr Kierath said young and new employees needed to be taught what to do when they noticed hazards at work.

The package, 'Occupational Safety and Health - Minimum Generic Competencies', is available both as a manual and on the Internet, and includes hazard identification and risk control procedures for new and young workers.

Mr Kierath said the package had been developed by WorkSafe Western Australia in conjunction with TAFE colleges and course co-ordinators, as well as industry training councils representing eight industry groups. It was financed by the Workers' Compensation and Rehabilitation Commission.

The package covered basic safety and health training components recommended by Worksafe Australia, and was applicable to all industries.

"The higher rate of injuries to young workers is often attributed to inexperience and over-confidence," Mr Kierath said.

"But the underlying reason is usually their lack of training, resulting in a lack of understanding of hazards and a lack of knowledge of safe procedures.

"This training package explains how young employees can become involved in the process of hazard identification, risk assessment and risk control.

"It teaches them about resolving safety and health issues through consultation and by making use of safety and health committees.

"It enables them to become part of the safety and health culture in the workplace and in the community."

Under new Occupational Safety and Health Regulations, due for release in September, all employers will be required to introduce hazard identification, risk assessment and risk control procedures in their workplaces.

Mr Kierath said the training package supported the State Government's WorkSafe WA 2000 Vision, which aimed to:

achieve world best practice in occupational safety and health;

achieve the lowest work-related injury, disease and fatality rates in Australia; and -

reduce occupational injury, disease and fatality rates by at least 50 per cent.

Media contact: Steve Manchee 481 2133