Definitions of young people and children by age:
- A young person is anyone under 18
- A child is anyone who has not yet reached the official minimum school leaving age.
Under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, an employer has a responsibility to ensure that young apprentices employed by them are not exposed to risk due to:
- Lack of experience
- Being unaware of existing or potential risks and/or
- Lack of maturity.
You must consider:
- The layout of the workplace
- The physical, biological and chemical agents they will be exposed to
- How they will handle work equipment
- How the work and processes are organised
- The extent of health and safety training needed
- Risks from particular agents, processes and work.
The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 applies as well.
Protect the Potential in Your Apprentices – Act Now!
You can use your existing arrangements for assessment and management of risks to your apprentices, but you also need to:
- Take into account the potential lack of physical and psychological capacity of the apprentice
- Pay special attention to exposure to harmful agents such as chemicals, heat, cold or vibration (the effect of which can be accentuated by youth)
- Pay special attention to the apprentice’s experience and training
- Pay special attention to their possible lack of attention
- Consider carefully the role of supervision and ensure the correct level and type is provided
Contact us if you require assistance.
