Young Persons Risk Assessment (UK)

Young workers under 18 are new to the workplace, still developing, and more likely to be hurt. The law requires employers to assess the particular risks to them before they start, whether they are an apprentice, a new starter or on work experience.

Who counts as a young person

A young person is anyone under 18. A child, for these purposes, is someone below school leaving age, and extra restrictions apply to them, including on work experience placements.

Why the extra duty

The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 require a specific assessment for young workers because of their lack of experience, their incomplete awareness of risk, and their physical and psychological immaturity. The assessment must be done before they start work.

What to weigh

1. Their inexperience and lack of awareness of risks.
2. The work, equipment and processes they will be exposed to.
3. Exposure to harmful substances, noise, vibration and extremes of temperature.
4. Any work beyond their physical or mental capacity.
5. The supervision and training they will need.

Controls

Strong induction and training, close supervision, clear limits on the equipment and tasks they may do, and restrictions on certain high risk work. Where a child is on placement, parents must be told of the key findings and controls.

Record it

Record the extra risks and the controls, including supervision and training. Our risk assessment template gives you the form. New starters of any age benefit from a proper site induction.