Young workers bring valuable enthusiasm and new skills to the workplace, but they may also face greater risks than experienced employees. A lack of familiarity with workplace hazards, equipment and procedures can increase the likelihood of accidents if appropriate supervision and training are not provided.
Employers should ensure young workers receive suitable first aid provision, workplace inductions and information about emergency procedures from their first day at work.
This guide explains workplace first aid considerations for young workers, including employer responsibilities, risk assessments, training and accident prevention.
This information is general guidance and should not be considered legal advice.
In health and safety guidance, a young worker generally refers to someone who is below 18 years of age and has left compulsory school age.
Young workers may include:
Although many young workers quickly become competent in their roles, employers should recognise that they may require additional support during the early stages of employment.
Young workers often have less experience identifying workplace hazards and responding to unexpected situations.
Factors that may increase risk include:
These factors do not mean young workers are unsafe, but they highlight the importance of suitable supervision and training.
Employers should consider the needs of young workers when planning workplace health and safety arrangements.
This may include:
Employers should ensure young workers know where to obtain assistance if an accident or emergency occurs.
Risk assessments should consider whether young workers face additional risks because of their age, experience or level of training.
Questions employers may consider include:
See Workplace First Aid Risk Assessment.
A thorough induction helps young workers understand how to work safely from the beginning of their employment.
An induction may include:
Clear communication can reduce confusion and improve confidence during emergencies.
Young workers should receive suitable instruction for the tasks they are expected to perform.
Training should be appropriate to the workplace and reviewed as responsibilities change.
Employers should not assume previous education or experience removes the need for workplace-specific training.
See Is First Aid Training Legally Required?.
Appropriate supervision can help identify unsafe practices before they result in accidents.
The level of supervision required will depend on factors such as:
As workers gain experience and demonstrate competence, supervision arrangements may change.
Young workers should have the same access to workplace first aid arrangements as other employees.
They should know:
See How to Call Emergency Services from the Workplace.
| Hazard | Example Risk |
|---|---|
| Manual handling | Muscle strains and back injuries |
| Slips and trips | Falls and impact injuries |
| Machinery | Entrapment or crush injuries |
| Hazardous substances | Chemical exposure |
| Vehicles | Workplace transport incidents |
| Poor housekeeping | Trips and collisions |
Young workers should be encouraged to report accidents immediately, regardless of how minor they may appear.
Accurate reporting helps employers identify trends and improve workplace safety.
See Accident Reporting & First Aid Records.
Young workers should also report hazards and near misses.
Encouraging early reporting helps employers address risks before injuries occur and promotes a positive safety culture.
See Near Miss Reporting Explained.
Young workers should feel comfortable asking questions, reporting hazards and requesting assistance whenever they are unsure about a task.
Encouraging open communication helps build confidence while reducing the likelihood of accidents.
Young workers can make valuable contributions to any workplace, but they may require additional guidance while gaining experience.
Providing suitable inductions, supervision, first aid arrangements and clear emergency procedures helps create a safer working environment and supports the wellbeing of both young workers and the wider workforce.
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