Workers are as likely to have an accident in the first 6 months at a workplace as they are during the whole of the rest of their working life.
Young people are especially at risk as they are likely to be new to the workplace and less aware of risks.
When you employ young people under the age of 18, you have the same responsibilities for their health, safety and welfare as you do for other workers. This applies whether they are a worker, on work experience, or an apprentice.
The Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) young people at work guidance has advice for employers on:
- risks to young people at work
- training and supervision
- work experience
- apprentices
The HSE have more guidance on young workers on their website, including advice for parents, carers, schools, colleges and work experience organisers.