Apprentice issues tallied
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Apprentices in South Australia are learning the hard way that safety is no afterthought.
In the first half of 2024, 34 incidents involving apprentices and trainees were reported to SafeWork SA.
These incidents included electric shocks, serious lacerations, and injuries from slips, trips, and falls.
A new collaboration between SafeWork SA and the South Australian Skills Commission is focusing on addressing these concerns, improving workplace safety and accountability for younger workers.
Between January and June 2024, SafeWork SA received 18 notifications of electric shocks, alongside eight incidents involving falls, including two from roofs and two from horses.
Tools such as nail guns, angle grinders, and circular saws contributed to serious injuries, including two fingertip amputations and eight severe lacerations. Slips and trips led to a leg fracture and a shoulder dislocation.
Since the start of the year, SafeWork SA says it has prioritised the attendance of inspectors at all incidents involving apprentices and trainees.
In collaboration with the South Australian Skills Commission, new information-sharing protocols have been established to ensure that all incidents are thoroughly followed up by both organisations.
Young workers form a vital component of South Australia's workforce, with 87,600 individuals aged 15-24 in employment as of June 2024.
However, this group is particularly vulnerable to workplace injuries.
From 2021 to 2023, SafeWork SA was notified of 132 serious injuries involving apprentices and trainees, 51 of which required hospitalisation.
These injuries predominantly occurred in the construction industry, with falls from heights, nail guns, power tools, and sharp objects being the main causes.
Data from ReturnToWorkSA shows that workers aged 15-24 accounted for 52 per cent of apprentice injury claims between July 2020 and June 2023.
Under South Australia's Work Health and Safety Act 2012, employers are obligated to provide sufficient training and supervision to safeguard the health and safety of their employees.
The South Australian Skills Act 2008 mandates the provision of legally binding training contracts, ensuring that apprentices receive appropriate on-the-job training and supervision.
“Protecting apprentices and trainees and maximising opportunities to teach them the importance of safety at an early career stage are key aspects of this increased collaboration with the South Australian Skills Commission,” says Glenn Farrell, SafeWork SA Executive Director.
“Taking on an apprentice or trainee is an investment and a long-term action to ensure the necessary skills are developed to support the demands of industry.”
Cameron Baker, South Australian Skills Commissioner, highlighted the particular risks faced by younger workers, many of whom are still inexperienced.
“Many apprentices and trainees are aged between 16 and 21 years old, and inexperienced in the world of work. Helping them to navigate the workplace safely by ensuring they are provided with the supervision, on-job training and mentor support from their employer is key,” he said.