Workplace safety
work; workplace; place; safety; injury; harassment; union; injuries; employer; compensation; OHS&W; occupational; health; hazard; violence; bullying; initiation; welfare; complaint;
Contents
Getting a job in your teen years has many benefits. With a new job comes greater self-esteem, extra money, new friends, a work reference for your portfolio, and a chance to get experience which can be invaluable in later life.
There are, however, risks associated with any new job. Far too often young workers get needlessly hurt – or even killed – while at work. Injuries sustained at work can cause physical and emotional damage, which may have long-lasting effects.
There are large numbers of deaths everyday at workplaces all over the world. Many of these are deaths of young people. It has been suggested that this is due to young people being inexperienced and therefore unaware of the many dangers around them at work. When someone young starts a job they are usually feeling two main things.
- They are anxious – because they don't know anyone. They feel uncertain about what they have to do and afraid of asking questions if they don't understand instructions.
- They are determined – because they want to give a good first impression. This can lead to them taking unnecessary risks.
- Many tasks can be dangerous if performed incorrectly, so this sort of situation puts the young worker at serious risk.
Being overly anxious and determined to impress combine to produce a particularly dangerous situation.
Major causes of injury
Here is a list of some of the major causes of workplace injury:
- unsafe equipment
- stressful work environment
- trying to do too much at once
- heavy lifting
- hot cooking equipment
- harassment
- poor computer workstation design
- toxic chemicals in cleaning products
- blood on discarded needles
- slippery floors
- sharp objects
- violent crimes - these sometimes occur in jobs which young people occupy – eg. fast food delivery or retail.
Young people in the country may be exposed to the most dangerous work settings. They may have contact with farm machinery, motor vehicles and guns, all of which can cause considerable harm.
Studies have shown that young men are more at risk of workplace injury, compared to women.
Injuries at work
- If you are wounded at work (cut, needle-stick injury, etc.), discuss this with your manager or first aid staff member to work out whether the injury is likely to put you at risk of blood-borne infections (such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or HIV), tetanus or other infections.
- If the wound needs treatment (such as needing stitches), or there is a risk of infection, see your doctor as soon as possible, as sometimes early treatment is important.
- If you do not know whether there is a risk, also see your doctor as early as practical.
- Find out from your manager what forms need to be filled out to cover costs of treatment, or for any claim you may need to make for time off or other expenses.
Employers' responsibilities
Every workplace has a set of rules and guidelines which employers must make sure are followed. Employers must make sure:
- it is a safe workplace
- the work itself is safe
- staff have proper training
- staff have proper supervision
- there is safety equipment where required.
This is the case whether you are casual, part-time or full-time.
What you can do to make your workplace safer
- Participate in any training programs offered by your employer, or ask for training if none is offered.
- OHS&W (Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare) training should be provided, then specific training in relation to your area of work.
- Follow all safety rules and instructions.
- Make sure you read what is on hazard signs.
- You have a responsibility to work in a safe way to reduce the risks of injury to you or to other workers.
- When in doubt, stop and ask for help.
- Use safety equipment and protective clothing when you are told to.
- Look out for co-workers. Work with them to keep the workplace safe. If they are not contributing to a safe workplace then you may need to talk to your employer.
- Keep work areas clean and neat. Place tools in the correct position as soon as you have finished using them.
- Know what to do in an emergency.
- Report any health and safety hazard to your supervisor. Do this before you or anyone else has been injured.
- Be aware that you have the right to work in a safe work environment free of recognized hazards and that you have the right to refuse unsafe work tasks and conditions without threat of losing your job.
- Obtain information about your rights and responsibilities from school counsellors and State labour departments. See our Resources list below for some links.
- Recognize the potential for injury at work and seek information about safe work practices from employers and work colleagues.
- If you see possible danger - broken steps for example - let someone know.
- Watch where you are going.
- Don't work long hours. If you are sleepy the next day you may cause accidents.
- Also, don't 'party' the night before work.
Harassment
Harassment in the workplace is a serious problem. Many young people find that on starting a new job they experience violence or bulling. This can cause emotional and physical injury. Young people can be left feeling as though they did something wrong or somehow brought it upon themselves. In some workplaces, harassment is sometimes seen as 'a little fun', or part of an initiation ritual.
It is important to remember that bullying is never OK.
Workplace harassment or violence can come in the form of:
- demeaning comments or put-downs
- verbal abuse
- abuse on your mobile (SMS or voice)
- threats
- placing your safety at risk
- assault
- sexual assault or harassment
- damaging or stealing your property.
What can you do about harassment?
- Quietly and calmly make it clear to whoever is annoying you that you feel uncomfortable - use the word 'harassment.'
- Talk to other people and tell them what is happening. Tell your boss, family, friends, or OHS&W (Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare) representative.
- Keep records of what is happening (event, people involved, date and time).
- Make a formal complaint if it is not being addressed.
- Get legal advice if it persists. Your union, if you belong to one, may be able to help you with this.
- Apply for workers' compensation if you have been physically or emotionally harmed. This can be difficult, so get legal advice before proceeding.
Compensation
If you have suffered an injury or illness at work, you may be able to claim compensation from your employer. Your employer does not have to be at fault for the injury. You can get workers' compensation for both physical and mental injuries. To make a claim in South Australia, contact the Work Cover Corporation on 13 18 55.
Resources
South Australia
General
References
Higgins DN, Tierney J, Hanrahan L. "Preventing young worker fatalities. The Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) Program." American Association of Occupational Health Nurses. Nov 2002, 50(11):508-14.
www.aaohnjournal.com
Locker AR, Pickett W, Hartling L, Dorland JL. "Agricultural machinery injuries in Ontario, 1985-1996: a comparison of males and females." Journal of Agricultural Safety & Health, May 2002, 8(2):215-23.
Mandryk J, Harrison JE. "Work-related deaths of children and adolescents in Australia, 1982 to 1984." Aust J Pub Health 1995;19(1):46-9.
National Occupational Health and Safety Commission
http://www.nohsc.gov.au
Safety Smart
http://safetysmart.com/
Smiljanic, V. "Fast food industry: A research study of the experience and problems of young workers". From Jobwatch, May 2004:
http://www.job-watch.org.au/jwinfo/fastfoodreport.pdf
Youth Safe
http://www.ohs.labor.net.au/youthsafe/
The information on this site should not be used as an alternative to professional care. If you have a particular problem, see a doctor, or ring the Youth Healthline on 1300 13 17 19 (local call cost from anywhere in South Australia).