Carry out a risk assessment in relation to a young person

Key points

  • An employer must not employ a "young person", a status that is defined in health and safety legislation, unless it has carried out a risk assessment in relation to risks to the health and safety of young people.
  • There is no need for the employer to carry out a new risk assessment each time a young person is employed, as long as a current risk assessment takes account of the characteristics of young people and activities that present significant risks to their health and safety.
  • In particular, health and safety legislation requires the employer to ensure that young people employed by it are protected at work from any risks to their health or safety that arise from their inexperience, their lack of awareness of existing or potential risks, or their immaturity.

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