Coffee Club Albury franchisee Scott Kidd said staff was the reason for that approach.

“If we had too many people through the door on those first few days, the company’s brand and staff safety would have been in jeopardy,” he said.

Mr Kidd’s move was praised by WorkCover NSW yesterday as it urged workers to avoid rushing or being under pressure in the lead-up to Christmas.

WorkCover’s Albury co-ordinator Neville Burt said many workers were under pressure to complete jobs before Christmas, increasing the potential for injury.

“This time of year sees thousands of young people enter the workforce for the first time, either after finishing school or in casual jobs,” he said .

“Young workers are keen to impress and take risks more experienced workers may not.

“This, coupled with the pressure of trying to complete jobs before Christmas, has led to workers cutting corners on safety in the past, often with tragic consequences.”

Figures show 12 per cent of all injuries in NSW workplaces occur among young workers, with 19,561 injuries and seven fatalities in 2011 and last year.

Of those injuries, 989 were recorded in South West NSW and the Border region — from Tumbarumba to Moama.

Mr Burt said workplaces should ensure all workers, especially those new to a job or industry, were provided with sufficient training and support to work safely.

“They should also set realistic workloads, schedules and provide regular rest breaks,” he said.

Mr Kidd has been ensuring his staff stay hydrated and take their breaks on time.

“The warm weather is here and it’s important staff stay hydrated and, if they feel the heat is getting to them, take a break,” he said.

“We don’t want staff to be run down because that’s when accidents can happen.”