Jobsafe Smart Move launched

19/5/93

Labour Relations Minister Graham Kierath today urged educators and employers to pay more attention to the health and safety training of young workers.

He said the Government was concerned that while young workers aged 15 to 24 had the highest injury rate in Western Australia, their training was often inadequate.

On average, four workers under 25 were killed in WA workplaces each year.  There were about 7,000 injuries.

"Becoming aware of hazards at work is a learning process, as many young people are discovering through the bitter experience of injury," Mr Kierath said.

The Minister was launching the Jobsafe Smart Move program at Lynwood Senior High School to raise awareness of occupational health and safety among Year 11 and 12 students.

Mr Kierath said some schools reported as many as 70 per cent of Year 11 and 12 students experienced part-time work.

The Minister, who has six children, said that as a parent he had reasons for wanting to ensure the health and safety of young people in workplaces.

"A large number of high school students today take part-time jobs to earn pocket money, to help support their family, or to gain work experience," Mr Kierath said.

"Sometimes they find themselves doing heavy and unfamiliar work under pressure and in unsafe working conditions.

"Because they are keen to keep their jobs they may lack the confidence to speak out about health and safety issues.

"This package will enable students to identify hazards they may find in future jobs, communicate their concerns about health and safety and be aware of laws designed to keep workplaces safe."

The program, with teaching kits for teachers and information packs for students, is a joint project between the Education Ministry, the Department of Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare, and the Workers' Compensation and Rehabilitation Commission.

The package has been distributed to 60 senior high schools.

Media contact: Barry Thornton 481 2133 or 222 9595