Protecting Young Workers: Health & Safety Requirements Every Employer Must Know

Hiring young workers—typically defined as those under 18—can bring energy, creativity, and fresh perspectives to a workplace. However, they also bring a unique set of challenges and responsibilities, particularly when it comes to health and safety. Young people often lack experience, may be unfamiliar with workplace risks, and are less likely to speak up if they feel unsafe. As an employer, ensuring their safety isn’t just good practice—it’s the law.

Why young workers

Young workers are statistically more likely to be injured on the job than older colleagues. The reasons include:

• lack experience or maturity
• not have reached physical maturity and lack strength
• be eager to impress or please people they work with
• be unaware of how to raise concerns

Employers must recognise these factors and adapt their safety procedures accordingly.

Legal Duties: What Employers Must Do

Health and safety laws in many countries—including the UK’s Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and OSHA regulations in the US—place a legal duty on employers to protect all workers, including young people. Here’s how:

1.Risk Assessments Specific to Young Workers

You must carry out a risk assessment that considers the inexperience, lack of awareness, and immaturity of young workers. The assessment should:

• Identify any risks specific to young people
• Evaluate whether the work environment, equipment, or hours are appropriate
• Decide on control measures to eliminate or reduce these risks

If you employ someone under 18, you should keep a record of this assessment and update it regularly.

2. Appropriate Training and Supervision

Young workers must receive clear and age-appropriate training before starting any task. This includes:

• Safe work procedures
• Emergency protocols
• Proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
• How to report hazards or incidents

Increased supervision is crucial. Assign experienced mentors or supervisors who can monitor, guide, and support them.

3. Restrictions on Work and Hours

In most regions, there are strict rules on what types of work young people can do and how many hours they can work. For example:

• Prohibiting work with dangerous machinery, toxic substances, or in hazardous environments
• Limiting night shifts or long working hours
• Ensuring rest breaks and time off

Always check and comply with local labour laws related to young workers.

4. Parental Notification and Consent

In some jurisdictions, particularly when hiring school-aged workers, you may need to:

• Inform parents or guardians about the role
• Obtain written consent
• Provide copies of risk assessments to parents on request

Best Practices Beyond Compliance

Following the law is the minimum. Here’s how you can go beyond it:

• Foster a safety culture: Encourage open communication and regular feedback. Make it clear that it’s okay to ask questions.
• Use buddy systems: Pair young workers with experienced team members.
• Update policies regularly: As your business or processes evolve, so should your health and safety procedures.
• Include mental health support: Young workers may also need emotional support as they transition into working life.

Final Thoughts

Protecting young workers isn’t just about preventing injury—it’s about helping them build safe work habits for life. When we invest in their well-being, we not only comply with the law but also cultivate a stronger, more responsible workforce for the future.

Remember:

Safety isn’t a one-time training session—it’s a continuous commitment.

Getting Started

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