YOUNG WORKERS HEALTH AND SAFETY : A SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Aims: The purpose paper aims to report a vulnerability of young workers regarding their health and safety. Design/methodology/approach: A systematic search was conducted through PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Science Direct and Google Scholar using terms of interest in a logic grid with key words “young workers” and “health and safety”. The articles in this search were limited to those published between 2002 and 2012. Nine studies ( 9 papers) met the inclusion criteria and were independently reviewed. Findings :Majority of the studies in this synopsis indicate education is a key to reduce young workers injury. In the other hands, the current safety education and training for young workers apparently are not effective due to the training uses similar method that is applied to adult workers, which is not suited to youths’ developmental levels or interest. Furthermore, the safety training also should focus not only on providing information for identifying reasons for workplace injuries and young workers’ rights but should be also embedded into workplace safety education programs. The safety training should become a priority in health education programs applied in schools. Research limitations/implications: Due to the necessary Australia focus and time constraints, only studies from Canada, USA, New Zealand and Denmark were included. Originality/value: The paper shows that there is a evidence base that education and knowledge about hazards interventions can positively reduce young workers injury.