Social Sustainability
Young Worker
Definition
A young worker is a person of legal working age who has not yet reached adulthood, protected by rules on the type, hours and conditions of permissible work. ILO Convention No. 138 sets minimum ages for employment, and Convention No. 182 prohibits the worst forms of child labour for all under 18, including hazardous work.
References
Source imported for editorial provenance.
Overview
How it is used
Social audits verify ages and task assignments at supplier factories; labour inspectorates enforce youth employment rules; OHS guidance recommends enhanced supervision and training; ESG social metrics treat child labour breaches and young-worker protections as key indicators.
Why it matters
Young workers sit at the boundary between lawful employment and child labour; their specific protections guard both education and safety during a high-risk life stage.