Children and young workers code of practice 2006
Queensland's Children and Young Workers Code of Practice 2006 (PDF, 240 KB) addresses workplace health and safety issues following a review of child labour by the Children’s Commissioner.
It assists employers in managing the specific workplace health and safety risks associated with having children and young workers within the workplace.
The code works with the Child Employment Act 2006 and Child Employment Regulation 2006 to provide protection for school-aged and young children.
The code identifies a number of hazards that can pose particular risks to young workers when compared with more experienced workers, including manual tasks, noise, chemicals, workplace violence, workplace harassment, industrial equipment and machinery.
It also emphasises the importance of training and induction programs for young workers and highlights specific needs for employers.
Under the code of practice, young workers are defined as people who are under 18 years of age, and include the following:
- Children leaving school and entering full-time employment for the first time, including apprentices and trainees.
- Children engaged in part-time or casual employment outside school hours.
- Children who work but are not paid for the work done, such as unpaid work undertaken for a family business.
- Work experience students and vocational education and training students who are still involved in the education system.
The code encourages all employers to take necessary measures to ensure their workplaces are safe for everyone, but particularly vulnerable workers such as young people.
The Children and Young Workers Code of Practice 2006 is effective as of 1 July 2006.
Download:
Children and Young Workers Code of Practice 2006 (PDF, 240 KB)
Children and Young Workers Code of Practice Fact Sheet (PDF, 140 KB)
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