Young People

Going on work experience this summer? Got a part job? Or maybe you’re starting a vocational qualification? We’re here to make sure you’re as safe as possible when you do.

 It can be a daunting experience and nobody likes to be the newbie at work. If this is your first time working then there can be lots to take in. So it’s really important to make sure that you feel safe.

Sometimes it can really hard to speak up when you’re in a new situation with people you don’t know. Remember if you’re worried about your safety at work, you’re not doing anything wrong by speaking up.

 

Health and safety procedures are in place to protect you. It’s a fact that people your age are most at risk of getting injured at work. In fact every 40 minutes a young person is injured at work. That’s a stupid amount and you can help lower it by raising your worries and talking to your work supervisor, your parents, teachers and friends.

Download Ten top tips for young workers>>

Know your rights!
1. You legally can’t be fired for talking to your supervisor about an unsafe workplace.
2. You can’t be disciplined for talking to your supervisor about an unsafe workplace.

Sign up to our Twitter, Facebook and YouTube pages for more handy information and easy to remember tips to keep you and your friends safe.

What you can do
If you’re unsure about your situation and you don’t know who to talk to we have a couple of numbers for you.

Ring The Children’s Society’s Lawyers for Young People FREE on 0800 092 0953.
(lines open Tues, Weds, Fri 10am to 12.30pm, Thurs 3pm – 5pm)

Their confidential team works specially with young people and don’t worry, you don’t even need to give your name if you don’t want to!

Or ring the Health and Safety Executive Infoline on 0845 345 0055.

Case study – Steven, aged 17
Steven was just 12 when he won his 2^nd Dan black belt in karate.  He was 13 when his niece was born – he kept a picture of her on his headboard.  He was 15 when he first completed the famous ‘Tough Guy’ assault course for his local charity.

Steven was 17 when he died.  

Training to be an apprentice scaffolder, Steven was working on a building site when he fell over 50ft. The site he was working on was unsafe. Steven knew it was unsafe but he trusted his employers to look after him. He didn’t want to lose his job.

Two days before he died, he told his mum he loved her. This is her lasting memory of Steven.

If you are in a dangerous situation, Speak Up, Stay Safe. If you still don’t feel safe and the situation hasn’t been resolved don’t work.