Inexperienced workers (typically in the age range from 15 to 24 years old) are likely to be more at risk than their older, more experienced colleagues.
There are all kinds of reasons why young people face greater work-related risks including, for example:
ï® General lack of skills and experience of the work, the tasks and the workplace
ï® Lack of maturity often leading to a failure to recognise risks that may be second nature to their older, more experienced workmates
ï® Lack of specific health and safety training, coupled with a natural tendency to ignore or not to treat seriously any training that is given.
In 2007/2008 there were 23 fatalities amongst young workers in the UK. Around half of these occurred in just two sectors - agriculture and construction - but there were also accidents and deaths in other industries.
Every fatality or major injury is a tragedy that impacts family, friends and work colleagues as well as those who may be held responsible. Somehow, when the victim is a young person, the tragedy seems to take on an added poignancy.
THE OFFER
YOUNG PERSON'S RISK ASSESSMENT
As always with health and safety, the solution must start at the top. It always helps if a strong safety culture already pervades the workplace where young people are employed. Apart from being influenced directly by the culture, it also means that other employees are more likely to intervene to correct any unsafe practices of younger workers and are naturally concerned about their safety.
However, there also needs to be a formal approach, beginning with a carefully drafted policy that is signed off at the highest level of the organisation. The policy must then be backed by a programme of risk assessments particularly aimed at the needs of younger workers.
If you have concerns or would like to discuss your requirements, without any obligation, please give us a call on 01744 766000 quoting reference M2MSEP10.
Any order for a Young Person Risk Assessment received up to 30 September 2010
will be eligible to receive a 5% Member to Member discount.
