Regulator calls on employers to "do more" to protect apprentices

WorkSafe Victoria has used data on WHS breaches that harmed apprentices or placed them at serious risk to urge employers to “do more” to protect them.

In the past five years, WorkSafe Victoria has successfully prosecuted 66 companies for health and safety breaches that harmed apprentices or placed them at serious risk, resulting in $7.38 million in fines, court costs and enforceable undertakings — nine of those prosecutions and $3.21 million in fines related to five fatal incidents.

“Most of these young workers are just starting out,” WorkSafe Victoria Chief Health and Safety Officer Sam Jenkin said, noting that apprentices were among the most vulnerable workers in the state with the majority aged between 15 and 24 and with limited work experience. “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.”

“Instead, some are being exposed to serious health and safety risks and in some cases behaviour that is downright deplorable — things no worker should ever experience,” Jenkin added.

Mainly due to their lack of experience and unfamiliarity with the role, WorkSafe Victoria said that young workers, including many apprentices, have the highest chance of being injured in the first six months of starting a new job.

Since the start of 2021, more than 3000 injury claims have been accepted from apprentices. Of those claims, falls from height accounted for the most (at 410), as well as 38 prosecutions and $2.48 million in penalties; this included incidents that left apprentices with bleeding on the brain, skull fractures, traumatic brain injuries, spinal and vertebral injuries, and various fractures.

Psychosocial hazards like workplace bullying and harassment or occupational violence and aggression were related to more than 50 injury claims and many of the prosecutions, WorkSafe Victoria said.

“When you’re young and new to an industry, it can be really daunting to speak up – especially when the person you’d be reporting is your boss or someone you rely on for career progression,” Jenkin added. “That’s why it is crucial employers build workplace cultures where safety and respect are non-negotiable and apprentices know they’ll be heard, supported and protected.”

Information and intelligence is shared by WorkSafe Victoria with the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA), which has banned more than 100 companies from employing apprentices in the past five years — 40% due to health and safety reasons.

“An employer’s obligation to ensure the safety of their apprentices and trainees is non-negotiable and the VRQA won’t hesitate to take action when they fail to do so,” said VRQA CEO Stefanie Veal. “The information shared between WorkSafe and the VRQA is essential to ensuring we can safeguard Victoria’s apprentices and trainees from both physical and psychological harm.”

Victorian apprentices or other young workers with concerns about health and safety in their workplace can call WorkSafe Victoria’s advisory service on 1800 136 089.

Image credit: iStock.com/SolStock. Stock image used is for illustrative purposes only.