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About 14 per cent of all workplace injuries and occupational diseases in NSW occur among the state’s 551,000 young workers; and 16 workers under the age of 25 are injured each day.

WorkCover has designated April as Young Workers’ Month and believes all employers should give support to young workers and provide them with information and training on work hazards and safe work practices, while giving consideration to their age and experience.

One business that takes proactive steps to ensure young workers’ safety is Gloria Jean’s in Batemans Bay. Assistant manager Chris McInally said the business promoted a friendly environment for customers while protecting staff members.

“Gloria Jean’s has pretty strict workplace safety practices for all employees, especially those who work with hot drinks and beverages,” he said.

“They make sure they give them the proper training.

“In the hospitality industry, the main safety practices involve cleanliness. This includes food hygiene, as well as washing hands before and after staff come into the store.”

Young workers’ inexperience, according to WorkCover, places them at a higher risk of being injured on the job than most other age groups.

The five most common injuries to young workers are sprains and strains, open wounds, fractures, bruising, crushing and burns.

Mr McInally said company employees were trained to meet safety criteria when dealing with cleanliness and hot liquids.

“This includes training for those that become a barista in the coffee machine area,” he said.

“They learn how to handle hot milk and cleaning the machine properly. They ensure that it is working properly and at the right temperature at all times.”

WorkCover has developed online fact sheets for young workers and will also begin producing interactive health and safety tutorials.

Information can be obtained from www.workcover.nsw.com.au.