Health & Safety At Work
Work Experience
Work placements can be a very positive experience for both the pupil and the business. It allows the pupil to gain an insight into a profession that they may have an interest in and the employer to encourage young people into a certain trade. However, the primary concern must be for the safety and welfare of the pupil. It will be daunting for the student as they may have never experienced a workplace before and will not be aware of common hazards. It may also be a new experience for the employer, as although s/he may have been in business many years, this will be the first time that the company has taken a student on placement.
There is some excellent advice on work experience placements for pupils and employers on line at:
 www.youngworker.co.uk/employers/index.htm/sme (for businesses)
www.youngworker.co.uk/youngpeople/index.htm /young (for young people)
The 'youngworker' website is produced in conjunction with the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) and Norwich Union.
For young people, there is advice and guidance on a range of subjects such as:
- Health and Safety information
- Your responsibilities under health and safety law
- Common hazards in the workplace
- Laws in place for your protection
- Your rights as a worker (you will be defined as a worker, even though you may be unpaid)
For businesses, there is information and requirements on a range of issues related to the employment of young persons including:
- Legal requirements
- Risk assessments
- Training and induction advice
- The role of Health and Safety inspectors
- The law regarding 'children' (anyone under the age of 16) and 'young people' (16-18 year olds)
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