Special Risks for Young Workers—and How to Mitigate Them is a critical topic for any safety manager, supervisor, or employer.
Young workers—typically defined as those under 25—are statistically more likely to suffer workplace injuries than older, more experienced colleagues.
Why? Because they often lack experience, training, and the confidence to speak up about hazards. Employers have a responsibility to understand these unique risks and address them effectively.
This guide explains why young workers face higher risks, identifies common hazards, and offers practical strategies to keep them safe.
Understanding Why Young Workers Are at Higher Risk
Young workers bring energy, enthusiasm, and fresh ideas—but they also face specific challenges that increase their vulnerability:
- Inexperience: Many young employees are new to the workforce and unfamiliar with safe work practices.
- Physical and Cognitive Development: Their bodies and decision-making skills may still be maturing, especially in high-risk environments.
- Reluctance to Speak Up: They may fear looking incompetent if they ask questions or report hazards.
- High-Risk Roles: Young workers often take entry-level jobs in industries like construction, retail, hospitality, and agriculture—sectors with higher injury rates.
According to CCOHS, young workers are more likely to be injured within the first six months of employment than at any other time.
Common Hazards Facing Young Workers
Employers should be aware of the types of hazards young workers often encounter:
- Manual handling and lifting injuries from improper techniques.
- Slips, trips, and falls due to cluttered or wet floors.
- Cuts and punctures from using tools without adequate training.
- Exposure to hazardous substances without knowing proper handling procedures.
- Loud noise exposure leading to hearing loss.
- Workplace violence or harassment, including bullying from peers or customers.
Recognizing these hazards is the first step toward preventing them.
The Legal Duty to Protect Young Workers
In many jurisdictions, employers have a specific legal obligation to protect vulnerable workers, including young employees.
Employers must:
- Provide adequate training and supervision.
- Identify and assess workplace hazards.
- Implement controls to reduce risk.
- Encourage reporting of unsafe conditions without fear of reprisal.
Resources like OHSE.ca offer guidance on meeting these obligations in Canada.
How to Mitigate Special Risks for Young Workers
1️⃣ Provide Comprehensive Orientation and Training
Young workers often lack context for safety rules. An effective onboarding program should:
- Explain hazards specific to their role.
- Teach safe work procedures, including PPE use.
- Include practical demonstrations and hands-on practice.
- Be interactive—encourage questions.
Regular refresher training helps ensure lessons stick.
2️⃣ Foster Open Communication
Young workers may hesitate to admit they don’t understand a task or to point out hazards. Supervisors should:
- Be approachable and patient.
- Use open-ended questions to check understanding.
- Reinforce that asking questions shows responsibility, not weakness.
- Encourage reporting of near-misses to learn from them.
This builds a psychological safety culture where speaking up is valued.
3️⃣ Assign Appropriate Work and Supervision
Avoid giving young workers tasks that exceed their training or physical capabilities. Employers should:
- Assess the complexity of tasks carefully.
- Ensure high-risk jobs are only assigned to properly trained workers.
- Provide close supervision, especially during the first months of employment.
- Designate experienced mentors who can guide new workers.
This ensures young employees aren’t left on their own before they’re ready.
4️⃣ Use Clear, Simple Safety Instructions
Young workers may not be familiar with industry jargon. Safety instructions should be:
- Written in plain language.
- Supported with visuals or demonstrations.
- Repeated and reinforced over time.
- Tailored to the worker’s level of experience.
This avoids misunderstandings that can lead to injuries.
5️⃣ Model Safe Behaviors
Supervisors and experienced workers set the tone. Young workers are highly observant and will often copy what they see. Employers should:
- Ensure all staff follow safety procedures consistently.
- Correct unsafe behavior immediately.
- Reward and recognize safe practices.
Modeling safety creates a strong, consistent safety culture.
6️⃣ Encourage Participation in Safety Programs
Get young workers involved in safety committees or toolbox talks. This can:
- Empower them to take ownership of safety.
- Build their confidence to speak up.
- Help them learn from experienced colleagues.
Engaged employees are safer employees.
7️⃣ Review and Improve
Employers should continuously evaluate their approach to protecting young workers by:
- Reviewing incident reports for trends involving young employees.
- Gathering feedback from young workers about training and supervision.
- Adjusting policies and procedures based on lessons learned.
This demonstrates commitment and ensures continuous improvement.
Special Risks for Young Workers—and How to Mitigate Them
Special Risks for Young Workers—and How to Mitigate Them is not just a training topic—it’s a critical part of any employer’s duty of care.
By understanding the unique challenges young workers face and implementing practical strategies, employers can prevent injuries, support development, and build a safer, more productive workplace.
Investing in young worker safety is investing in the future of your business.