Why are young people vulnerable?
New to the job and new to the workplace, young people lack experience, and may not pay enough attention to the risks that they face: • they may lack physical and psychological maturity • they may lack skills and training • they may be unaware of their employer’s duties, and their own rights and responsibilities • they may lack confidence in speaking out if there’s a problem For their part, employers may fail to take account of the vulnerability of young people, by providing them with the training, supervision and safeguards that they need, and giving them work that is appropriate for them. The risks young people face The exact risks that they face depend on the type of work that they are doing. Common risks include: • slips and trips • dangerous equipment • lifting loads • fast, repetitive work • work in awkward positions • noise and vibration • exposure to chemicals, radiation, extreme heat or cold • stress • violence from members of the public So everyone needs to play a part in keep
