Many young persons are looking to work placements or starting work this summer. Introducing young people to the world of work can help them understand the work environment, choose future careers or prepare for employment. We need young people to be offered opportunities to develop new skills and gain experience across the world of work. The subject of risk assessments gives many employers cause for concern.
The HSE website says: Does an employer need to carry out a risk assessment specifically for a student on a work experience placement?
No, a separate risk assessment, specifically for work experience students, is not necessary as long as your existing assessment already considers the specific factors for young people. Furthermore, there is no requirement to re-assess the risks each time an employer takes on a new work experience student, provided the new student has no particular needs. It’s important to consider if the inexperience a young person has increases the risks but this shouldn’t be viewed as a barrier to them entering the workplace. If you’re planning on having a work experience student over the summer, this HSE publication can give more guidance: ‘Young People and Work Experience’
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg364.htm. More information on young persons in the workplace generally can be found at http://www.hse.gov.uk/youngpeople/
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