Vic employers urged to enhance their efforts in protecting apprentices

WorkSafe Victoria has cautioned employers with apprentices that there are significant repercussions for not safeguarding their health and safety.

In the last five years, WorkSafe has effectively prosecuted 66 businesses for health and safety violations that endangered apprentices or posed significant risks to them.

WorkSafe's Chief Health and Safety Officer Sam Jenkin noted that apprentices represent some of the most at-risk employees in Victoria, primarily aged 15 to 24 and possessing minimal work experience.

“Most of these young workers are just starting out,” Mr Jenkin said. “Their first years on the job or in a new industry should set them up for life with good habits and strong examples of safe work practices.”

WorkSafe has reported that it has accepted over 3,000 injury claims from apprentices since the beginning of 2021.

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