Encouraging young workers to speak up at work

WorkSafe Victoria has developed a graphic and confronting public awareness campaign, that highlights the consequences experienced by two young people who receive terrible injuries at work.

The campaign – ‘Not Sure Ask’ – comprises television, radio and online advertising and social media content and is aimed at young workers aged 15-24 to encourage them to speak up at work if they are unsure of how to safely carry out an activity, use equipment, apply chemicals or handle machinery.

The ads focus on how each young worker’s split-second decision not to speak up leaves them with a serious injury and a lifetime of regret.

Almost 15,000 young workers have been seriously injured over the past five years in Victoria which is 3,000 young workers per year. WorkSafe believe campaigns like this are really important to help drive home the message to young workers that it never hurts to ask and demonstrate to them that there can be life-long consequences of not speaking up.

WorkCover Chief Executive Denise Cosgrove said there were many reasons why young workers were reluctant to speak about up safety. “Our research tells us that many young workers don’t want to appear stupid or incapable in front of colleagues or supervisors, or felt too insecure to ask while others felt overwhelmed in a new and unfamiliar environment, or didn’t want to bother their busy manager,” she said.

“That’s why it’s essential employers and supervisors not only provide appropriate supervision and training but create a workplace where young workers feel comfortable about speaking up.”

For further information about young workers please visit the Young Workers Safety Basics page of the WorkSafe website.

Source: WorkSafe Victoria, June 2013