The Victorian Government has unveiled a new campaign aimed at getting younger employees to speak up if they’re unsure about the safety of their workplace.

Assistant Treasurer Gordon Rich-Phillips launched the campaign which follows the consequences experienced by two young people who receive terrible injuries at work.

The ‘Not Sure Ask’ campaign comprises television, radio and online advertising aimed at getting young workers aged 15-24 to speak up if they’re unsure about to safety carry out an activity.

 “Victoria is acknowledged as having the safest workplaces for young workers in the nation. And yet, almost 15,000 young workers have been seriously injured over the past five years,” Mr Rich-Phillips said.

“It’s a tragedy that so many young people at the very start of their working lives are still being injured and our statistics show that there are around 3000 workers aged under 25 injured each year in Victorian workplaces.

“That is why we believe campaigns like this are really important to help us drive home the message to young workers that it never hurts to ask and demonstrate to them that there can be life-long consequences of not speaking up.”

WorkCover Chief Executive Denise Cosgrove said there were many reasons why young workers were reluctant to speak about up safety.

“Our research tells us that many young workers don’t want to appear stupid or incapable in front of colleagues or supervisors, or felt too insecure to ask while others felt overwhelmed in a new and unfamiliar environment, or didn’t want to bother their busy manager,” she said.

“That’s why it’s essential employers and supervisors not only provide appropriate supervision and training but create a workplace where young workers feel comfortable about speaking up.”

 The online campaign can be found here