A Suitable Workplace
- Health & Safety
Following advice from the Health & Safety Executive, there are some workplaces which are not approved for use by young people under the age of 16. These are:
- Building sites (defined as areas where new structures are being erected)
- Cinemas, discotheques, dance halls and night clubs
- Any other premises where the young person would sell alcohol (unless supplied in a sealed container)
- Seagoing vessels (even if in dry dock)
- Slaughterhouses
- Fairgrounds or amusement arcades
- Heavy manufacturing workshops (especially where hot metal processing occurs)
- Quarries and excavations, shafts and tunnels (but not associated offices, canteens and laboratories)
- Any job which is carried out at more than 2 metres above ground level (unless adequate scaffolding and walkways are provided) such as roofer, TV aerial erector and window cleaner.
The Health & Safety Executive also consider the following occupational areas to be high risk:
- Agriculture
- Catering
- Construction
- Engineering
- Equestrian
- Transport
Young people are allowed to undertake placements in these areas, but there are specific risks for each which will need to be considered as the Risk Assessment is carried out.
However, if you are an employer in one of these industries, it may still be possible to offer a work experience placement. Please contact your nearest Connexions Centre (see Quick Contacts) where a Work Experience Placement Officer will be happy to discuss the options with you.