Dear Reader, If you have work experience students, vocational placements or interns attending your workplace, do you know what your health and safety obligations are towards them? These types of placements in workplaces are an effective way for students and young people to see and experience what is involved in the type of employment they might be interested in pursuing in the future. It provides an opportunity for them to be involved in and see how actual workplaces operate. Are you liable for the health and safety of those carrying out work experience, vocational placement or interning in your workplace? All health and safety legislation makes the employer responsible for the health and safety of all people in its workplace. This means that your duty of care extends to cover anyone doing work experience, vocational placement or interning in your workplace. Any hazard in your workplace that is not effectively identified, risk assessed and controlled, may create a health and safety risk and if an incident occurs in relation to that hazard, you and your company may be liable for any injury or illness caused. How to prepare for a work experience student, vocational placement or intern… So before a student begins a work experience program in your workplace for example, it is vital that they are trained in the health and safety policies and procedures that relate to their activities and work tasks during their time in your workplace. You need to think and plan carefully when considering the types of tasks you are going to assign to these people in your workplace. For example, you need to ensure you do not assign tasks that create a health and safety risk to them or those around them. On Friday, we will look at the kinds of jobs that these inexperienced people should not be required to perform, and tips on what you can do to make it a happy and healthy experience for them. Don’t forget that you owe everyone in your workplace the same duty of care that you owe to your workers. Until then, Joanna Weekes Editor Health & Safety Bulletin ________________________________________
Posted on: Wed, 11 Sep 2013 02:08:10 +0000
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