Why do young workers in construction get injured more often than older ones?

A new report by the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority and STAMI shows that in the construction sector, workers under the age of 25 are most often affected. In 2024, a total of 3,902 work-related injuries were registered in this sector, and the youngest employees are injured more frequently than their older colleagues.

This is not a coincidence - it is a signal to employers.

It is essential to be aware of the following:

➡️ Young workers have the least experience and are less familiar with the workplace. Therefore, employers have a particular responsibility to ensure sufficient training, clear instructions, and real supervision, especially during the first weeks of employment.

➡️ 95% of all construction injuries involve men, as the sector is male-dominated. However, among skilled trades workers, the injury risk for men and women is almost the same - meaning that the risk is determined by the nature of the work and tasks, not by gender.

➡️ The most common construction accidents occur when a worker is struck by an object, experiences a fall, or is injured by sharp or pointed tools. Injuries related to electrical voltage are also recorded.

➡️ In 2024 and 2025, the construction sector recorded the lowest number of fatal accidents in the past ten years - two fatalities per year. However, the overall number of injuries remains high, which means systematic preventive work continues to be essential.

Arbeidstilsynet emphasizes that many accidents could have been avoided if proper risk assessments had been carried out and preventive measures implemented.

If your company employs young workers and you have questions about training, supervision, or risk assessment - contact us and we will help you strengthen prevention.