10% of those under 25 experience work-related injuries each year. This statistic is 2.5 times higher than for the rest of the working population, underscoring an important reality: young people are more susceptible to workplace accidents. TAPAJ prioritizes their safety.
France ranks poorly in workplace accident statistics across Europe, placing second in 2021. Addressing and preventing these incidents, as highlighted by sociologist Véronique Daubas-Letourneux in Ouest-France, represents a critical social justice issue.
Workplace Accident: What Does It Mean ?
By once again renewing the personal protective equipment (PPE) for all beneficiaries across the 72 programs this year, TAPAJ France, beyond fulfilling the legal responsibility of intermediary associations (IAs) as employers, focuses on ensuring the actual safety of its TAPAJ participants.
The definition of a “workplace accident” is clearly defined: a sudden or unforeseen event that occurs while the worker is under their employer’s authority, resulting in collateral damage. According to Matthieu Lépine in an article for Ash, several causes have been identified, including precarity, the extensive use of temporary or subcontracted labor, and the deterioration of working conditions. Lépine, a history and geography teacher, tracks work-related deaths to highlight these social issues, which are too often dismissed as isolated news stories.
To prevent serious incidents, employers are required to ensure the health and safety of their employees by taking preventive measures, providing training, and assessing risks. However, few acknowledge the need for heightened attention to young workers, who should be assigned appropriate tasks and placed under closer supervision.
Young workers, who are disproportionately affected by these accidents
In its report on young workers, the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work highlights that, in Europe, their risk of experiencing a workplace accident is 40% higher than that of older colleagues. The International Labour Organization identifies several contributing factors, including their high representation in precarious contracts such as apprenticeships, seasonal work, or temporary positions.
Temporary work, in which young people are overrepresented, is also criticized: “In temporary employment, the risk of a workplace accident resulting in leave (39.3 accidents per million hours worked) is twice the average,” notes Dares. Temporary work is common in high-risk sectors, where workers often receive less training. Additionally, the tripartite relationship between contractors, temporary employees, and staffing agencies complicates the assignment of responsibilities regarding prevention measures. These challenges are relevant to TAPAJ, as its young beneficiaries frequently undertake temporary contracts within a similar tripartite structure.
Raising awareness to ensure the safety of TAPAJ participants
TAPAJ France aims to provide a safe and healthy work environment for its participants. A 2018 study by the National Institute for Research and Safety (INRS) revealed that young workers educated on safety issues were twice as likely to avoid risks. In this effort, the association enlisted Antoine Coquel-Harambillet to help minimize risks on job sites. “A thorough analysis leads to effective risk control,” advises the quality, prevention, and environment manager at Vinci. In a video testimonial, he emphasizes the importance of aligning work demands—whether biomechanical, postural, or environmental—with the functional capacities of each individual.
To enhance safety, program coordinators visit job sites in advance. During these visits, Antoine Coquel-Harambillet introduced a form to be completed by both coordinators and contractors. This form follows the “5M” approach—method, equipment, materials, environment, and workforce—to identify potential risks and needs on-site. Additionally, young workers are supervised by educational teams during their assignments, ensuring proper support and guidance.
Preventing accidents also means ensuring the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Our 72 local programs have just received their new gear! From T-shirts, beanies, vests, and jackets to socks, duffel bags, gloves, and caps—all branded with the association’s logo—TAPAJ participants will be better protected against workplace accidents.
Risk reduction is an approach rooted in addiction care that extends beyond that field to minimize work-related hazards. We are committed to upholding this practice to protect our participants!
