Advice for Young Workers

Young workers run a high risk of being injured at work. There are many ways to reduce this risk.

If you spot a hazard in your workplace, bring it to the attention of your Delegate, Health and Safety Representative, Health and Safety Committee Member, Line Manager or Organiser.

You have the right to a safe and healthy workplace, but this can only be achieved if you speak up.

Remember – you cannot be penalised for raising health and safety issues.

Increased Risk

If you’re aged between 15 and 24, your chances of being injured at work are much greater than those of older workers.

In fact, it’s estimated that workers aged 15 to 24 have a 74% greater risk of being injured at work than workers from all other age groups.

If you are at your first job or a new job, then you’re at an even greater risk of being injured at work.

If you feel unsafe, it is crucial that raise these concerns with your manager or employer - risks must be managed and avoided at work, your employer has a duty of care to ensure your workplace is safe.

The Law

Every worker has the right to a safe and healthy workplace.

It’s important to understand that employers have responsibilities towards you and that you also have responsibilities in the workplace.

Occupational health and safety laws are designed to protect and promote the wellbeing of all workers.

Laws in place are designed to protect workers, and ensure employers are accountable. Concerns about the wellbeing of you and your peers must be taken seriously - your voice is important.

Speak Up

You should always speak up whenever you identify risks or hazards in your workplace. If you need assistance with this, reach out to the SDA - we are here to help you.

The Role of the SDA

The SDA works to protect your health and safety at work by:

• Providing you with information regarding your rights
• Helping you resolve health and safety problems in your workplace (including raising these issues at local, state and national levels if necessary)
• Monitoring employer compliance with health and safety laws
• Lobbying governments to improve health and safety laws

If you have a health and safety problem at work, you can:

• Discuss it with your SDA Delegate, Health and Safety Representative or Health and Safety Committee Member
• If you are comfortable to do so, speak to your manager or employer
• Raise it with your SDA Organiser
• Contact the SDA

Parent information for Young Workers

The primary role of the SDA is to look after the industrial needs of its members through advice, representation and protection.

The SDA employs a team of experienced and qualified people to do this.

As a parent of a young worker, the following points may be of assistance to you if you wish to advise your son or daughter whether or not to be a member of the Union:

• Membership is voluntary, and resignation by members can be activated at any time.
• The SDA negotiates regular pay increases and other conditions of employment on an ongoing basis
• Such problems as underpayment of wages, WorkCover injuries, health and safety, rosters, harassment, lack or hours and unfair, dismissals are common issues dealt with by the Union on behalf of its members
• A number of discounts are provided to union members which can offset any membership costs if they are used on a regular basis
• Many free services are given to members. Please take the time to browse the Benefits section.

If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact the SDA.