WorkSafe reminds employers to keep kids safe at work

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WorkSafe reminds employers to keep kids safe at work

WorkSafe Victoria has issued a safety warning after a child suffered injuries at a Victorian workplace, reinforcing employer obligations under OHS legislation to protect every person on site, including children.

The safety watchdog reminds employers that they carry a duty to protect everyone within the workplace, including children who may accompany parents or visit for other reasons.

"Children are naturally inquisitive and may want to play in and explore the workplace. They are unlikely to think about the risks in the workplace," WorkSafe Victoria said.

Why Workplace Supervision Matters

To protect children, WorkSafe advises employers to ensure all children in the workplace remain under supervision at all times. Businesses should also confirm hazardous areas stay inaccessible to unsupervised children.

Effective site management depends on identifying specific hazards before an incident occurs. Under OHS duties, employers must apply control measures that address risks specific to their industry, whether that involves machinery, chemicals, or national safe work month initiatives designed to raise awareness across sectors.

Common Workplace Hazards Affecting Children

Construction, manufacturing, and healthcare sites often contain hazards that pose heightened danger to children, including:

• Moving machinery and rotating equipment
• Exposed electrical wiring or electrical panels
• Unsecured electrical tools left within reach
• Chemical storage areas lacking restricted access
• Elevated work platforms or open excavation sites

Electrical hazards remain a particular concern given how easily a curious child might touch an exposed electrical outlet or unattended electrical cord. Employers managing sites with electrical infrastructure should treat electrical safety management as a core part of their broader OHS management approach.

Practical Control Measures for Employers

Management teams should review site-specific risks regularly and update controls as conditions change. A strong management framework typically includes:

• Restricting access to high-risk areas through barriers or locked gates
• Assigning dedicated supervision for any child present on site
• Isolating electrical hazards and hazardous chemical storage from general access
• Documenting hazard management procedures within OHS management systems

These measures form part of a wider risk management strategy that safety professionals in high-risk industries already apply to protect workers. Extending that same management discipline to cover children on site closes an important gap.

Employers seeking further information on managing site-specific hazards can also consult resources such as Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS), which outline control measures for tasks involving rigging, jigsaw operation, linisher operation, and plastering — each carrying its own hazard profile that management must address.

Building a Culture of Proactive Safety Management

Strong OHS management extends beyond compliance paperwork — it requires ongoing vigilance from every level of management. Employers who embed hazard identification into daily operations reduce the likelihood of incidents involving children or workers alike.

WorkSafe's warning serves as a timely reminder that workplace management responsibilities apply broadly, not only to employees but to any person who may enter the site. Reviewing current controls, tightening supervision protocols, and reinforcing hazard awareness across management teams remain essential steps toward safer workplaces.

Read more here.

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