The support of their employer, through training and supervision, should help them understand and accept these responsibilities. Children may not know workplaces are hazardous, and may look on workplaces as playgrounds. Their natural curiosity may take them into hazardous situations despite warnings not to go there. The safety and health of young people and children in the workplace is primarily the responsibility of the employer, but other workers should also work safely so that young people and children are not exposed to hazards in the workplace. The Safety and Health of Children and Young People in Workplaces defines young people as under eighteen years of age.
Children are very young people, and include babies.
Young people may be in the workplace as workers or as visitors, or they may live in the workplace. Young people who are workers may be full time employees, including apprentices and trainees, or they may be part time or casual workers. These young people are covered by occupational safety and health legislation as employees. Some young workers may perform unpaid work, such as in a family business or on a farm. Although they are not recognised as employees, these young people are still covered by occupational safety and health legislation, as are visitors to workplaces.