Fatal Injury of Young Workers in Australia

By T Driscoll

Although there are many positive aspects of work for young Australians, a number of occupations have significant associated hazards.

This article considers work-related fatalities in young workers (arbitrarily defined as workers who are aged 19 years or less), with a focus on available Australian information. This information indicates that the work-related fatal injury of young workers remains an important OHS problem in Australia, and provides guidance as to where and how prevention efforts might be best planned and implemented. A detailed analysis of the data from the National Coroners Information System would help to provide better guidance. Many of the prevention approaches aimed at all workers, should benefit young workers as well, but the prevention activities instituted for young workers need to take into account the relevant cognitive, psychological, physiological and social factors that are specific to children and adolescents.

(Journal of Occupational Health and Safety - Australia and New Zealand (vol. 22, no. 2, April 2006. pp151-61)