Young People at Work: Getting Health & Safety Right from Day One

Starting a first job or apprenticeship is an exciting step, but for young people entering the workplace for the first time, it can also mean being exposed to unfamiliar environments, equipment and risks.

Having the right health and safety arrangements in place is essential every day, but with many apprentices and young workers starting their careers around September, it's a timely opportunity for employers to consider the additional support they may need.

Why can young workers be more vulnerable?

Young workers may have little or no previous experience of a working environment. They may be unfamiliar with workplace hazards, less confident about speaking up when they don't understand something, or keen to make a good impression.

HSE Young People at Work guidance highlights the importance of the first few months:

“Young people are likely to be new to the workplace and so are at more risk of injury in the first six months of a job.”

This makes a good induction, appropriate training and effective supervision particularly important from day one.

Start with the risk assessment

Before a young person starts work, employers should consider whether their existing risk assessments adequately address the risks they may face.

For young people under 18, employers need to take particular account of factors including their lack of experience, awareness of existing or potential risks and maturity. Particular attention may be needed where work involves machinery, hazardous substances or other higher-risk activities.

Remember, a risk assessment shouldn't simply be a paperwork exercise. The controls identified need to reflect what actually happens in the workplace and be clearly communicated.

Induction and training

A good induction is an opportunity to establish safe working practices from the beginning. New starters should understand the hazards relevant to their role, the control measures in place and what to do if something doesn't seem right.

Don't assume information has been understood simply because it has been provided. Check understanding and make sure young workers feel comfortable asking questions or raising concerns.

Provide the right level of supervision

Someone starting their first job may initially need closer supervision than an experienced employee carrying out the same task.

Supervisors should understand their responsibilities and know which activities the young person is authorised to undertake. As the individual gains experience and demonstrates competence, supervision arrangements can be reviewed.

Getting new starters off to a safe start

For experienced employees, certain precautions can become second nature. A new apprentice won't necessarily have that same knowledge, so taking the time to explain both what they need to do and why it matters can help establish good safety habits from the outset.

Before welcoming a young worker, consider whether your risk assessments are suitable, your induction covers the hazards they'll encounter, the appropriate training is in place and someone has responsibility for their supervision.

How Calvin Hanks Can Help

Our experienced Health & Safety team can review your risk assessments, induction procedures and existing arrangements, providing practical advice tailored to your workplace.

Contact Calvin Hanks to arrange a Health & Safety visit or find out more about our Health & Safety Support services.