We have  provided two case studies based on interviews we conducted with young workers to show what things contribute to  good  and bad workplaces. 

Amanda (Case Study 1)

Amanda has been working at the Fast Chicken Flaps restaurant for the past ten months. In that time she has suffered a number of injuries that could have been prevented. For example she has been burnt and cut a number of times and recently suffered a strained back.

Amanda expected to be trained in safe food handling and lifting and other OHSW workplace requirements, but her employer Greasy Al said he didn’t have the time to spend on “unnecessary bureaucracy”.

At this stage, after ten months, Amanda still has been unable to negotiate regular hours. This is difficult because she is in Stage1 of her SACE at her local high school. Greasy Al often calls Amanda into work when he knows she has school and as Amanda relies on her part time employment to make ends meet, she feels unable to refuse the shifts.

Sometimes Amanda has much more work than she can handle with her educational commitments, but at other times she is struggling to get by. All attempts at negotiating more regular shifts have been side stepped by Greasy Al who asks her if she still wants the job. Amanda feels this to be an implied threat and is afraid to push the issue despite the stress and anxiety it causes her.

While at work regular breaks are not taken, and during busy times Amanda has worked more than seven hours without a break.

Unfortunately Amanda’s situation is all too common among young workers.

Chris (Case Study 2)

Chris has been working in a newsagency for the last year. Since he has been working there Chris has been trained properly in all aspects of the job and in OHSW requirements. He is treated with respect. Chris has not had any work related injuries because he knows about Occupational Health and Safety.

Chris is given a fair hourly rate as well as a number of breaks, depending on how many hours he is working. His employers do not cut back his hours if he can not come into work when they ring him up, or when he needs time off. The employers also encourage him to tell them if he feels unsafe using any of the equipment or if he is concerned about any aspect of the job.

Chris is able to successfully combine work with his school studies as his employers acknowledge his right to continue with education, and value the learning he is able to bring from school to the job. Chris has flexible working hours that suit him because his employer understands that he needs to go to school and work. Because of the strong bond between employer and employee they are able to sit down and discuss suitable hours for Chris which will not affect his schooling or disrupt his work.  

Chris is also able to bring the skills he has developed at work, including negotiation, to the school environment. He is better equipped to handle complex tasks because he has already developed a range of time management and self motivation skills in the workplace.