Employing young workers - 31/07/2010

With many students seeking employment we at RANA risk management have been asked so many times what are the rules regarding these applicants.

The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 define a young person as someone who is under the age of 18. Although employing a young person in any area within a business is acceptable, there are some additional factors to consider.

 Firstly, the employer must be aware of the young person's inexperience, lack of awareness or perception of danger and their physical and/or psychological immaturity, and take these into account when completing risk assessments. In addition, the young person must receive adequate training and be supervised during instruction on the machines, ie ensure supervision while the young person becomes confident and proficient with using the equipment.

The Working Time Regulations 1998 impose restrictions on young people's hours of work. In particular, they are entitled to additional rest breaks of 30 minutes if their working time is more than 4.5 hours. Other restrictions are likely to be covered already, eg they may not work at night (although there are some exceptions to this), they should have a rest period of 12 hours in each 24-hour period, and they should have a weekly rest break of at least 48 hours in each 7-day period.

Regarding the equipment itself, the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 apply to all workers using work equipment, including industrial laundry machines.

Equipment must be suitable for the intended process and conditions of use, be fitted with appropriate warning signs, marks, safety bars or guards, and those using it must have received suitable training and information about its operation.

Confused? Call RANA now for more advice and guidance.