General News
4 July, 2024
We're better safe than, umm, sorry
More than 40 people in the Wimmera under 25 have fallen victim to serious workplace injuries in the past 18 months - and about a quarter were working in the construction industry.
Now a new Worksafe campaign has been launched, specifically aimed at helping younger workers.
Named for the expression that comes to mind when we’re unsure of what to say or do, the quirky character UMM will feature in a new series of videos.
The videos include the character responding to a range of common unsafe scenarios in retail, manufacturing, fast food, hospitality, health care and construction.
Since the beginning of last year, 3501 Victorian workers under the age of 25 have reported being seriously injured, including 44 in the Hindmarsh, Horsham, West Wimmera, Yarriambiack and Northern Grampians council areas.
Aside from those in the construction sector, one in 10 were from each of the following industries: manufacturing, health care and social assistance, and accommodation and food services.
The most common causes of injuries to young workers were being hit by moving objects (31 per cent), body stress (26 per cent) and falls, trips and slips (23 per cent).
About seven per cent of claims were for mental injury.
WorkSafe executive director health and safety Sam Jenkin said the UMM character was created by young people, for young people, and spoke to those who might have recently started their first part-time or full-time jobs.
“Young workers can be a fantastic asset to any team and often bring lots of energy to their role,” Mr Jenkin said.
"But sometimes their lack of experience and confidence may mean they are less likely to ask questions if something doesn’t seem right."
For more information about safety for young workers visit worksafe.vic.gov.au/umm