Notes for employers of children of compulsory school age
Introduction
These regulations, which have the force of law, came into effect on 31 March 1997. They apply to all organisations and are intended to bring together good practice in risk assessment.
Risk assessment
An employer must make a risk assessment specifically relating to the employment of children before employing them. If there are already children working in the organisation, a risk assessment must be made immediately.
The risk assessment must pay particular attention to the:
- immaturity and inexperience of the child and consequential lack of awareness of risk
- health and safety training to be given to the young person
- extent of exposure to any chemical, biological or physical agents
- nature and layout of the work area
- types of equipment, methods of use and work activities to be undertaken
Reduction of risks
An employer must ensure that children are not exposed to risks at work that arise because of their lack of maturity or experience and lack of awareness of dangerous or potentially dangerous situations.
A child should not be expected to do any of the following work:
- beyond their physical or psychological capabilities
- involving risks to health from noise, vibration or extreme heat or cold
- involving harmful exposure to any agents which can chronically affect health, including those with toxic effects
Having carried out the assessment, the results will suggest whether the employer should restrict the work of children within the workplace.
Even if there is no involvement with any of the work areas specified above, the employer may still feel that there is significant risk to children and, if this is so, they must not be allowed to undertake such work. Where the employer feels that the risk can be avoided or adequately controlled, and the child therefore employed, it is important that appropriate information, instruction and training is provided, both for the child and the rest of the workforce.
The principles of risk assessment are the same for children as they are for any other group of people, with additional considerations necessary to allow for their lack of experience and maturity.
Supervision arrangements should also be carefully considered, particularly as children may be easily led by a less conscientious member of staff. It is important that they receive thorough instruction and appropriate supervision.
Informing parents of the risks
When a child is employed, the employer must inform the parents of:
- the findings of the risk assessment
- any protective or preventative measures that are being taken
The information does not have to be in writing, but it does have to be ‘comprehensive and relevant information’, and it must be given to the parents before the employment begins.
Training for employed children
Even children employed on a very part-time basis should be given training. In addition to training specifically about the job, employers should offer training on the following:
Safety policy
An explanation of the company’s policy and relevant sections.
Children’s personal responsibilities
These should be discussed and emphasised.
Safety documentation and literature
Should be discussed and distributed.
Key safety people
These should be introduced and their function explained.
Safe working systems
The particular hazards associated with the work area and work processes should be explained, together with the need to follow safe working practices at all times.
Manual handling
Explain that manual handling should be avoided where possible.
Housekeeping
Explain why the work area should be kept tidy and clean.
Prohibited areas
Identify those areas which are out of bounds and why.
Machinery
Identify those items of machinery which must not be operated and why, and explain which pieces of machinery must only be used after training and under supervision, explain the need to report faults, and that repairs are only carried out by qualified and competent staff.
Dangerous substances (including cleaning fluids)
Explain what is in use within the workplace, storage arrangements and safety precautions; stress the need to read the label.
Personal protective equipment
If provided, explain why and show how it is to be worn; explain the arrangements for changing, cleaning and maintenance.
Safety equipment
If used explain what it is used for, where it is kept who is responsible for training staff.
Personal hygiene
Show the locations of toilet and washroom facilities.
First aid
Explain the arrangements for first aid and show the locations of these facilities.
Accident reporting
Stress the need to report all accidents even if no one was hurt and there is no damage; show the location of the accident book.
Emergency procedures
Explain the emergency procedure and if necessary, practise the procedure with the new starter.
Smoking, drugs and alcohol
Explain the company’s policy on smoking, drugs and alcohol; show the location of any smoking and non-smoking areas.