Work experience and young workers

Young people (under 18 years of age) may be at particular risk in the workplace due to their lack of experience, possible lack of maturity and because of other physical factors associated with their age.  The law therefore requires that, where a young person is at work, the risks arising from their age be specifically assessed and taken into account in planning and managing the activity. This can be done either as an explicit part of normal workplace risk assessments or can be a separate exercise.

HSE provides advice on managing the risks to young workers here: http://www.hse.gov.uk/youngpeople/about.htm

There are some legal prohibitions affecting the type of work that those under 18 may undertake.  http://www.hse.gov.uk/youngpeople/law/prohibitions/index.htm

Work experience

The University has long acted as a provider of work experience for school pupils and has found that this is beneficial to both those seeking the experience and to the University units involved.  Where work experience is provided to pupils under 16 years old there is a legal obligation that the findings of the risk assessment be brought to the attention of the pupil’s parent or guardian.  The risk assessment is usually straightforward as most pupils are generally not involved in the more hazardous activities and are closely supervised.  However, unit managers should be aware of this requirement and must notify Human Resources (HR) of all work experience placements.  HR issues a pack containing the required assessment and notification forms.