Study Suggests Apprentices Have a Higher Risk of Workplace Injury Than Full-Time Workers

Apprentices make up only a small percentage of all workers, but a new study suggests they may have a higher risk of injury than full-time employees. Considering that many of these workers are young, able-bodied individuals, this could have serious implications for their long-term employability and mobility. If you or someone you love is working as a trade apprentice, learn what your risks are, and how you can be compensated if you are injured on the job.

While the analysis shows that only about one in 50 apprentices suffer a workplace injury, they are about 73 percent more likely to be injured on the job than full-time employees. This is due, in part, to the limited number of apprentices within the workforce. Inexperience may play a part as well. However, researchers suggest that a lack of training and safety education (which is the responsibility of the employer) may also be at least partially responsible for this higher percentage of incidents among apprenticed workers.

Another major concern for apprentice workers is that many may be hesitant to report injuries or illnesses that seem minor. They may fear that doing so puts them at risk for losing out on the trade teaching they are working hard to receive. Unfortunately, this can severely impact their health later in life, or potentially just a matter of days or weeks down the road, since injuries can sometimes be more severe than they initially seem. As such, it is critical that apprentices understand their rights, including their right to pursue fair compensation for any losses they experience while working.

Apprentices who are injured on the job have the right to pursue compensation from their employer. They may also be entitled to compensation from a third-party if there is an element of negligence pertaining to the party’s product. For example, if the switch for a power tool is defective and the apprentice suffers an injury, they may be eligible for compensation from the manufacturer.

Unfortunately, not all apprentices receive fair treatment from insurance adjusters or defendants in personal injury claims. As such, it is critical to ensure that you have an advocate on your side, protecting your best interests. The experienced San Jose workplace injury lawyers at Corsiglia, McMahon & Allard, LLP can help. We will fight aggressively to get you the compensation you deserve. Schedule your consultation by calling us at (408) 289-1417.

• Apprentices more likely to suffer workplace injury than full time employees
• Work-related injuries in trade apprentices.
• Division of Apprenticeship Standards