YOUNG WORKERS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 189, 12 August 1935, Page 6

YOUNG WORKERS.

Recent investigations have shown a high incidence of accidents among young people in British industry (says "Tho Times"). The new entrants into industry, who have not learnt by experience the ways of safety, are the heaviest sulFerers. To supply the lack of experience there may however be training and instruction. One suggestion is an apprenticeship in safety beginning even in schooldays, with lessons on industrial dangers corresponding with those now given 011 road traffic dangers and the precautions to avoid them. The youth's initiation into industrial life might well begin also with a warning of the risks that a wise workman will studiously avoid; and the shunning of needless danger should become second nature. A works class for instruction in safety principles is a good idea, as also is the appointment of experienced workmen as "safety associates" with the duty of bringing before the safety committee of the works any dangers or risks which have hitherto escaped notice. There is clearly need for much more thorough education in safety, particularly of the young. It is a matter deserving further examination, for in these cases unjustifiable risks arc being taiken and the employer cannot escape moral responsibility.