Young workers are more likely to be injured

Experience counts for a great deal in the workplace, but this article from The Safety Mag, a publication in Canada, points out some of the common risks associated with workers under the age of 25.

Here is the article in question.

Training can help limit the risk, together with proper instruction in how to remain safe in the workplace and how to protect colleagues.

The statistics quoted in the article are shocking, with workers under 25 accounting for one third of workplace injuries and more than 50% of young workers hurt in the first six months of employment.

Inexperience

The experienced operative can instantly identify dangers and identify how shortcuts can compromise safety. However, in the fast-paced world we live in, the younger members of a team may be more likely to look for ways to cut time and compromise safety.

As outlined in the article certain workplaces are full of dangers and they are not always obvious.  Standing next to a dangerous part of a machine could result in a fatal or catastrophic accident that cannot necessarily be foreseen by a new operative.

‘Newness on the job’

As outlined above, inexperience can be dangerous. Workers can also be worried about losing their job, so may not speak up if they are worried about performing a certain task, putting themselves at risk of injury. Colleagues should be aware of new employees and help guide them in safe ways of working.

Hesitancy and lack of preparation

As discussed, a worker’s reluctance to ask questions can have serious consequences and inadvertent mistakes, that can lead to injury. As a new worker, never be afraid to ask for instructions to be repeated, or to ask for specific training that will help you to do your job.

Training and proper induction can reduce all these risks, and workers should never be afraid to ask for more guidance or clear explanations as to policies and procedures.

First aid training can be key, as can education on the best way to avoid accidents, as well as how to deal with them when they occur. Good health and safety training also has the ability to unite the workplace and encourage workers to behave as a team.

It is also much cheaper for a workplace to prevent accidents than deal with the financial outcome of accidents occurring frequently, or a serious accident impacting the availability of the workforce.  Compensation claims also hit hard. Every worker wishes to be safe and able to perform their job effectively.

Young workers have many advantages in their enthusiasm and new ideas, but it is also important to recognise the greater risk introduced when these workers are not properly training or made aware of the inherent dangers in the workplace.

Further reading

Accidents at work – Oakwood Solicitors

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