Worksafe Victoria has opened its free and interactive WorkSafe 101 program across the state, helping prepare students across Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay in Years 9 to 12 enter the workforce safely.
Braybrook College’s Year 9 cohort of 230 students became the first group to complete the program last December.
Designed with input from teachers and career practitioners, the program included e-learning modules, videos with examples from workplaces where young people are commonly employed and teacher-led activities that cover occupational health and safety basics, identifying hazards and the importance of speaking up.
Braybrook College careers teacher Rowena Archer said she appreciated the fact that bullying was one of the main targets of the program, along with other mental health hazards.
“The topics were appropriate for what young workers need to know about,” she said.
“We hope that this will help empower students with the skills to be able to say “that doesn’t look right” and to query what’s actually going on in the workplace.”
Throughout 2022, WorkSafe accepted 615 claims from workers aged 19 or younger, including 264 from casual or part-time workers and 185 from apprentices, including 207 claims relating to cuts and amputations, 112 related to fractures, 24 related to burns and 23 related to mental injuries.
WorkSafe health and safety executive director Narelle Beer said research has shown young workers were more likely to accept unsafe work conditions and less likely to raise safety concerns or to report issues when they do occur, due to lack of knowledge, experience and awareness about occupational health and safety.
“Many young people are starting a part-time job or moving from school to the workforce – we owe it to young workers to give them the knowledge to work safely and the confidence to speak up when something doesn’t feel right,” she said.
“Starting your first job is a huge milestone and a reason for young workers and their families to feel proud.
“Sadly, too many young workers soon find that celebration turns to tragedy.”
Details: www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/worksafe-101-high-schools
