Young workers are over-represented in injury statistics compared with other age groups.
Injuries to young males are more frequent and more severe than for females.
Injuries limit future activities and choices – the consequences are often life long.

The highest injury risk is among young males working as labourers or in trades. In NSW in 2003, nine young workers aged 15 to 24 years died due to injuries in the workplace and a further 7,026 were compensated for work-related injuries.

The workplace injury factsheet below has more detailed information about rates and types of injuries commonly experienced by young workers.

Workplace injury factsheet

The article below by Professor Ian Glendon of Griffith University explains how young workers' age as well as their physical and biological development may increase their risk of injury and provides useful advice to employers on managing these risks.

Brain Development and Young Worker Safety