Young workers are highly vulnerable in the workplace. According to recent EU data, they suffer as much as a 40 per cent higher rate of non-fatal occupational injuries than older workers. In the United States, the risk of young workers between the ages of 15 and 24 suffering a non-fatal occupational injury is approximately twice as high as for workers aged 25 or older. Many factors contribute to this: their physical and psychological stage of development; a lack of job skills, work experiences and training; inadequate supervision in the workplace; limited knowledge of occupational safety and health (OSH) hazards and preventive practices; a lack of understanding of their rights at work; and limited bargaining power. These factors often lead young workers to accept dangerous tasks in unsafe working conditions.

This course familiarizes participants with the ILO's international guidelines, principles and tools,and the experience of consolidated and successful national OSH systems and programmes in addressing youth vulnerabilities and protecting young workers.