As schools start to break up for the summer holidays, thousands upon thousands of young people will join the work force perhaps for the first time. Some will have knowledge of health and safety practice, many will not. All will be the responsibilty of the organisation where they’ll be working.
We know that every 40 minutes a young person is seriously injured in the workplace. We need you, whether you’re a young person, a teacher, a parent or an employer to understand the risks.
Earlier this month, a 17-year-old fairground worker at Barnard Castle, County Durham was thrown 20ft from the ‘Crazy Frog’ ride. He had fractures to his face and skull and two broken wrists. The Health and Safety Executive are investigating the incident.
And in England news that an engineering firm in Fareham has been fined £2,500 (plus £1000 costs) after a 17-year old trainee was injured after the load from a forklift truck fell on his foot, breaking his ankle. The manager, who was opearting the forklift at the time did not have adequate training.
An HSE official commented that “adequate planning of the lifting operation and the use of suitable equipment would have avoided this injury to a young trainee.”
This stories are all too common and they cause a ripple effect. Families and communities also suffer the after effects. Make sure you know the risks.
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