OVERVIEW
Young people are one of the most valuable groups to bring into any workplace. They are enthusiastic, willing to learn and ready to make a contribution, and apprenticeships and first jobs are a vital route into a working life. But they are also, statistically, more likely to be hurt at work than their older colleagues. Young workers have a higher rate of accidents and injuries, largely because they are new to the world of work: they lack experience, they may not recognise hazards that an older worker would spot instantly, and they are often eager to please and reluctant to ask questions or admit they are struggling. Keeping them safe is therefore not just a legal requirement but a fundamental part of looking after the people who will go on to build their careers with you.
You will learn who counts as a young worker and who counts as a child at work, why young workers are statistically more at risk, the specific risk-assessment duty under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations, the duty to inform parents of children, what a young-person risk assessment must cover, prohibited and high-risk work, the training-only exception with supervision, how to run a strong induction, training and competence requirements, and the importance of clear supervision and mentoring.
