WorkSafe launches young worker safety program

WorkSafe Victoria has launched a new program to train young workers about workplace health and safety, giving students practical tools to identify hazards before they become serious incidents.

The new program, 'WorkSafe 101', targets students between Years 9 and 12 and includes resources such as videos to help them stay safe at work. Materials cover topics ranging from electrical hazards to electrical safety policy basics, asbestos awareness, and general OHS principles that young people will encounter once they enter the workforce.

Why This Young Workers Safety Initiative Matters

WorkSafe Executive Director Health and Safety Narelle Beer said 230 Year 9 students completed the program in 2022.

"This is the age when 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," Dr Beer said.

WorkSafe data shows more than 600 young workers suffered serious injuries at work in 2022, and more than 600 claims were made by teenage workers during the same period. These figures highlight why early exposure to health and safety training, alongside solid OHS foundations, remains critical for reducing preventable harm.

What the Program Covers

WorkSafe 101 equips students with knowledge across several hazardous work areas, including:

• Recognising electrical risks in everyday workplaces
• Understanding asbestos-related dangers in older buildings and worksites
• Building confidence to report unsafe conditions
• Accessing OHS resources tailored for first-time workers

Electrical safety features prominently in the curriculum, since many entry-level roles in retail, hospitality, and trades expose young workers to electrical equipment they've never handled before. Asbestos education also plays a key role, particularly for students who may take up apprenticeships or maintenance roles where asbestos exposure remains a genuine concern in Australia's older infrastructure. Understanding how asbestos was historically used in construction helps young workers recognise warning signs and avoid disturbing hazardous materials.

Beyond electrical and asbestos content, the program addresses broader hazardous conditions young workers might face, reinforcing that health and safety awareness isn't limited to one industry or task.

How Employers Can Support the Initiative

Businesses hiring young workers should reinforce classroom learning with workplace-based support once students begin part-time or casual roles. Employers can support this transition by:

• Providing clear induction training that builds on WorkSafe 101 concepts
• Offering ongoing support for questions about electrical equipment or hazardous substances
• Encouraging supervisors to check in regularly with new young employees
• Directing staff toward accessible OHS resources and information relevant to their role

Employers in sectors handling asbestos-containing materials or electrical systems should pair this support with documented safety procedures, such as an electrical safety checklist or clearly communicated workplace safety rules, so new workers understand expectations from day one.

Broader Support for Workplace Safety Programs

WorkSafe 101 joins a growing list of Australian initiatives focused on protecting vulnerable worker groups. Similar efforts include the seafood industry's safety program launch and Safe Work Australia's food delivery worker safety campaign, both of which demonstrate ongoing support for sector-specific safety education across the country.

These programs collectively signal that regulators view early intervention, whether through school-based training or industry campaigns, as essential support for building a safer future workforce. For context on how seriously WorkSafe treats workplace incidents, see coverage of WorkSafe's investigation following a worker death at a Melbourne recycling centre.

Read more on the WorkSafe Victoria website.