Parents

Is your child going on work experience this year? Or maybe they are starting an apprenticeship or part-time job?  Are they prepared?

Our Speak Up, Stay Safe campaign is aimed at your children to make sure that they feel confident about identifying workplace hazards and to speak up if they feel that they are in an unsafe environment.

Some young people don’t feel confident bringing up a problem and there are many reasons why.

When we asked a group of young people how likely they were to tell a supervisor if they thought something was wrong with health and safety in their work, some gave the following responses:

“I wouldn’t say anything because I’m quiet and shy and I don’t like to be a fuss.”

“If I say that I don’t feel safe they might fire me so I’ll just forget it.”

“I wouldn’t want to embarrass myself if I’m proven wrong, but if it’s a major mistake I’m confident I would question it.”

We want to make sure that all young people do feel confident speaking up for themselves and their friends and you can help.

What you can do as parents or carers

1. Talk to your child before, after and during their work placement and make sure they feel confident discussing any problems
2. Talk them through our ten top tips for young workers – Ten top tips for young workers
3. If you’re worried about your child, talk to their school and speak up to keep them safe

If you’ve raised an issue with the appropriate people and still feel that your child’s situation is unsafe ring the Health and Safety Executive on their Ask Infoline 0845 345 0055. They will be able to advise on the next best course of action.

Remember Speak Up, Stay Safe.