London, England -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/05/2015 -- In recent research by the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA), it was highlighted that employees between the ages of 18 and 24 are at least 50% more likely to suffer an injury at work than people 25 and over. They are also more prone to suffering from occupational illnesses.

EU-OSHA commented that the discrepancies in injuries between younger and older workers are likely to do with both mental and physical immaturity, as well as lack of the necessary experience and being less likely to foresee and prevent dangers.

"Employers, educators, health and safety professionals, policy makers, and young workers themselves - we all have a responsibility to help keep young people safe and healthy,"EU-OSHA commented.

The report also emphasizes the importance of ensuring workers – particularly those in a more physical role –being given the necessary training and skills before they take on tasks they have never undertaken before.

The importance of ensuring an open work environment where people felt able to raise concerns about potential problems was also highlighted.

Diane Parker, a member of The Accident Team, a group of legal professionals that specialize in workplace injuries, reflected on the report: "Employers are legally obliged to ensure that all their employees, regardless of age, have the necessary skills and training to carry out their job. This report will hopefully encourage employers to be more mindful of their younger employees.

"Correctly trained workers are more able to pre-empt and better protect themselves against dangers in the workplace. It is unfortunate that workplace accidents do still happen and they can have a lasting effect on the person, and their family. It's important to bring these cases to light, so that the issues are addressed and the injured are able to claim the compensation they need to get their life back on track."

Contact
http://www.west-info.eu/young-people-are-especially-vulnerable-in-the-workplace/
https://osha.europa.eu/en/priority_groups/young_people/index_html