Vulnerable workers are those who are at a disadvantage in the workplace. This disadvantage may be due to a physical or mental disability, or it may be due to power dynamics in a workplace, such as:

– Workers with a supervisor or employer who may not show sufficient regard for safety
– Workers with a disability (visible or invisible)
– Workers of differing backgrounds
– Young or new workers

Different contexts may make a worker vulnerable in one situation who may not be vulnerable in another. By recognizing vulnerable workers, the OHS professional is able to ensure worker safety through intervention, training, or the inclusion of risks and hazards that have been unnecessarily increased in hazard evaluations and reports. In order to act as an effective resource in their workplace, the OHS professional should be able to identify vulnerable workers and the additional controls which may be necessary to mitigate the worker’s risk. This includes adjustments that can be made in the workplace to accommodate workers with disabilities.