What is classed as a young person at work?  

Children under the minimum school leaving age (MSLA) of 16 years old must not be employed unless it’s for the purposes of work experience schemes organised by their school. Between the ages of 16 and 18, young people must remain in full-time education or work as an apprentice.  

Therefore, employers need to conduct the following when employing young people:  

1. Young person’s checklist 

2. Young person’s risk assessment 

Young person's risk assessment checklist 

Employers have a legal duty to conduct risk assessments  for every employee before they start a role, including young people under the age of 18.  

Aa a young person lacks experience, maturity, and knowledge of risks, young person’s risk assessment checklist is more specific and ensures:   

• Young workers are not exposed to risks beyond their capacity. 

• Certain hazards such as exposure to chemicals, working in warm or cold environments, dangerous equipment and demanding tasks both physically and mentally are identified and controlled.  

Enhanced supervision, training and task adjustments are in place to protect young people at work.  

What are the risks associated with young people at work? 

Employers must ensure the safety and wellbeing of all workers, including children and young persons. A general risk assessment doesn’t account for young person’s specific work activities and individual working requirements. Comparably, a young person’s risk assessment checklist does.  

Furthermore, Health & Safety legislation stipulates employers must ensure children and young persons are safeguarded from all workplace risks.  

What should a young person's risk assessment checklist cover? 

• Mental limitations: Lack of knowledge and experience means young workers are more susceptible to risk.  

• Physical limitations: A young person’s body is not yet fully developed. Reduced strength can lead to strain and an elevated risk of injury.  

• Immaturity: Children and young persons may lack the maturity of an adult and require additional supervision with certain tasks.  

How can I reduce the risks for young people at work? 

Employers have a legal and moral duty to conduct a tailored young person checklist and risk assessment. It must consider the restrictions of work that can be given to young workers. For example: 

• Enhanced supervision and training: Make instructions simple, clear and easy to understand and follow, as young people may hesitate to ask questions.  

• Restrict high-risk activity: Avoid assigning tasks to young people if it involves operating with dangerous machinery or toxic substances.   

• Provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Ensure young people are equipped with PPE and are trained on its correct use   

• Engage parents or guardians: For young workers under school-leaving age, communicate regularly with parents or guardians to ensure specific needs are met.    

• Encourage open communication: Create an environment where young people feel comfortable asking questions and discussing safety concerns.   

• Review and update regularly: Ensure the individual young person's checklist and risk assessment is regularly reviewed, especially if there have been changes to the work environment.  

A young person's checklist and risk assessment will help you:  

• Introduce suitable work patterns. 

• Getting a medical assessment of the young person if necessary  

• Limiting exposure times  

• Restricting access to high-risk areas  

Download your FREE young person's risk assessment and checklist to create a safer, supportive work environment for the young people in your workplace.  

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