Major crackdown launched as inspectors find children using dangerous machinery and handling hazardous chemicals

Victorian workplace regulators are launching an intensive enforcement campaign targeting employers who expose child workers to dangerous conditions, after discovering numerous cases of children under 15 operating welders, grinders, forklifts and handling hazardous substances.

The Wage Inspectorate Victoria’s crackdown coincides with National Child Protection Week, emphasizing the theme “Every conversation matters: shifting conversation to action” as authorities seek to prevent young workers from being placed in harm’s way.

Alarming Workplace Violations Uncovered

Inspectors have repeatedly intervened to stop children from performing high-risk tasks including operating heavy machinery, working with dangerous animals, and using industrial equipment far beyond their developmental capacity. These discoveries have prompted urgent action to strengthen protections for Victoria’s youngest workers.

“While working can provide valuable experience for kids, they’re still developing mentally and physically and require extra protections in the workplace,” said Robert Hortle, Commissioner of the Wage Inspectorate Victoria.

Strict Licensing Requirements Often Ignored

Under Victorian law, any business employing workers under 15 must obtain a child employment licence before work begins and comply with comprehensive child safe standards. Workers in this age group must be supervised by someone holding a valid Victorian Working with Children Check, unless specifically exempted.

Commissioner Hortle urged parents to take an active role in protecting their children by speaking directly with employers before allowing their child to start work. “Parents should talk to the business owner or manager to understand what work their child will be doing, who will be supervising them and if the business has a child employment licence,” he advised.

Comprehensive Time and Condition Restrictions

Victorian legislation establishes detailed parameters for child employment that many businesses appear to be violating:

During school terms: Children can work maximum three hours daily and 12 hours weekly, with no work permitted during school hours.

During school holidays: Extended to six hours daily and 30 hours weekly maximum.

Operating hours: Strictly limited to 6am-9pm timeframe.

Mandatory breaks: 30-minute rest periods required after every three hours of work, with minimum 12-hour gaps between shifts.

Expanded Safety Obligations Clarified

WorkSafe Victoria has simultaneously updated its workplace safety guidance, emphasizing that employer obligations extend far beyond directly employed young people to encompass any children who might enter work areas.

This broader interpretation captures children visiting employees, those living on farms where business operates, youngsters riding in work vehicles, and even unauthorized visitors to construction sites after hours. The updated guidance specifically addresses home-based businesses where children might access work areas.

Unique Vulnerabilities Require Special Attention

The updated safety guidance identifies several critical risk factors that make children particularly vulnerable in workplace environments. Young workers typically lack experience and are less likely to raise concerns about unsafe practices or question established procedures.

Children also demonstrate limited maturity when responding to dangerous or stressful situations, including aggressive customers or threats of violence. The guidance warns that young workers may be especially susceptible to workplace bullying, victimization, and racism from adult colleagues.

Public Encouraged to Report Violations

As part of the enforcement campaign, regulators are actively encouraging members of the public to report unsafe practices involving child workers. This community watchdog approach aims to identify violations that might otherwise go undetected in workplaces across Victoria.

The campaign represents a significant escalation in efforts to protect young workers, combining enhanced enforcement with updated guidance and community engagement to create multiple layers of protection for children in Victorian workplaces.

For employers, the message is clear: compliance with child employment laws and safety standards will be strictly enforced, with violators facing serious regulatory consequences for putting young lives at risk.