According to SafeWork NSW, 15 to 25-year-old’s have a 75% greater chance of being injured at work with apprentice deaths & serious injuries peaking between 7 am and 10 am. With approximately 14% of the Australian workforce made up of workers between 15 and 24 years (Australian Bureau of Statistics), that’s up to 15 workers in this age group who are injured in NSW every day. Safety onsite for our youth and the most inexperienced on our worksites needs to be a key focus.
One of the contributing factors to workplace injuries is young and inexperienced workers being unable to recognise and cope with potential hazards. With correct training and the right systems in place, accidents can be avoided. When asked about the spike in apprentice injuries between 7 am and 10 am, Master Builders Safety Advisor and Trainer Graham Stewart had this to say “I put this down to younger workers, having body clocks that are still in stages of sleep mode. Host Employers should keep this in mind and manage the tasks accordingly,” he says. “Similarly, vehicle incidents are more likely to occur between 2 pm and 4 pm, when workers are packing up and heading home for the day.”
At Master Builders, the safety onsite of our apprentices is paramount. That’s why we have implemented a Minimum Safety Standard that all Host Employers must meet before a Master Builders Apprentice can join their team. We’ll work with our Host Employers to help them meet the safety standard and we provide this service free of charge.
As part of the Safety Service, we identify any gaps between your current safety practices and the Master Builders Minimum Safety Standard. This includes:
- advice on legislative changes and requirements
- templates to document safety reporting
- access to a dedicated Safety Coordinator
- annual safety reviews
- continuous improvement programs
- updates and information on safety best practices and trends
Our commitment to the safety of our apprentices doesn’t stop there. Before a Master Builders Apprentice steps foot onto a worksite we provide a range of safety training, assessments, and personal protective equipment including:
- General Construction Induction (White Card)
- Work Safely at Heights
- Manual Handling
- Safe Use of Power Tools
- Ongoing monthly safety quizzes
- PPE Kit including hardhat, eye protection, ear protection, and gloves
- Regular visits and contact with a Master Builders Field Officer
Host Employers with strong safety systems are essential for giving our apprentices a good start in the construction industry, keeping them safe, and changing the culture around safety for the future. We work with our Host Employers to ensure they know their safety obligations and the additional requirements they need when taking on an apprentice including:
- Ensuring the apprentice is supervised at all times and working safely
- Ensuring the correct use of PPE and, making sure the apprentice participates in Toolbox Talks and signs off on SWMS.
If you need an apprentice, visit our website mbaapprenticeship.com.au/i-am-an-employer/ or call the Master Builders Apprenticeship Services on 8586 3533.