3. Training and supervision
Many young people are likely to be new to the workplace and facing unfamiliar risks from the job and their surroundings. You should give them clear and sufficient instruction, training and supervision so they can work without putting themselves and other people at risk.
Training
Consider how much training they need – it should be proportionate to the risk. For a student on a short-term work experience placement, tailor induction and training to the tasks they are going to do.
Check they have understood the instruction and training, including, for example the:
- hazards and risks in the workplace
- health and safety precautions in place
Supervision
Young people are likely to need more supervision than adults. Good supervision will help you get a clear idea of their capabilities and their progress in the job. It will also help you monitor the effectiveness of their training.
They may need additional support to allow them to carry out their work without putting themselves and others at risk, such as tailored training or closer supervision.
Regularly checking a young person's progress will help identify where any additional adjustments may be needed. It’s often appropriate to put age limits on the use of some equipment and machinery[6], such as forklift trucks and some woodworking machinery.