When you get your first job, you are often happy to be climbing the career ladder, excited to impress your boss. However, did you know that young workers face a disproportionately high risk of workplace injuries and occupational health. This is due to a combination of factors that don’t necessarily show straight away.
Young Workers: Lack of Experience and Risk Awareness
When you’re a young worker at the beginning of your career, your last instinct is to find flaws in the workplace. You probably wouldn’t even know what to look for because you’re a lot less likely to have been exposed to such issues before. Being a young worker, you might not recognise when a ladder stands on uneven ground or when a rushed cleaning task involves harsh chemicals. Employers often assume you will ask questions if something feels wrong, yet many young workers hesitate because they don’t want to seem unsure.
John Kushnick, Legal Director at National Accident Helpline, says: “A third of under-25s have signed an NDA or waiver following a workplace injury. These are young workers at the start of their careers, frequently without proper legal guidance, and many may believe they have signed away their right to claim compensation entirely, but that isn’t necessarily the case.”
Developmental and Physical Limitations
When you’re younger, your body is still developing, and you are probably not used to being on your feet all day or sitting behind a desk. This can make you more susceptible to injury. Whether you work in the construction industry or have a corporate job, young workers are always more vulnerable.
Although research by National Accident helpline has revealed that male employees (22%) are almost twice as likely as women (12%) to have signed gagging agreements, likely reflecting their concentration in higher-risk industries. Among 18–24-year-olds, 12% say they can’t even remember signing, which raises questions about what some young workers understood when they put pen to paper.
Workplace Culture and Power Dynamics
Young workers often rely on supervisors for shifts and references, which can make it harder to challenge risky behaviour. However, this can be dangerous and can lead to workplace injuries. New research commissioned by National Accident Helpline has revealed that 34% of Gen Z workers have signed non-disclosure agreements compelling them to keep quiet about suffering a workplace injury.
With the rise in cost of living, four in ten employees have felt pushed to compromise on their safety at work.
Legal Director, John Kusnick has commented on these findings from a survey and has stated “These findings paint a concerning picture of health and safety in British workplaces. While employers and HR professionals are seemingly disregarding the importance of a safe working environment, many employees feel they simply cannot afford to prioritise their own safety, as the cost of living means they have no choice but to stay in roles they know carry risks.”
Long-Term Health Implications of Early Injuries
Workplace injuries sustained early in your career can have lasting impacts on your health and your career prospects. A twisted knee, a strained back, or even a minor head bump can lead to recurring discomfort. Research has also found that four in ten employees have felt pushed to compromise on safety at work, and 18% say they went through with it to meet deadlines or targets.
If an injury does occur, keep a record of it, no matter how small, and follow up with proper care. Whether you are a young worker or an older worker, by doing so, you protect not just your immediate recovery but your long-term ability to work comfortably and pursue opportunities without hesitation.
This article was written for WHN by Steph King, a content writer from the UK with a passion for writing about a range of topics, from Business and Marketing to Health and Lifestyle. Steph’s work has been published on a wide range of sites covering a variety of topics.
As with anything you read on the internet, this article on young workers should not be construed as medical advice; please talk to your doctor or primary care provider before changing your wellness routine. WHN neither agrees nor disagrees with any of the materials posted. This article is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis, recommendation, treatment, or endorsement.
Opinion Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy of WHN. Any content provided by guest authors is of their own opinion and is not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything else. The Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated these statements.
