It is estimated that, although young people constitute only 4% of the workforce, injuries to them represent around 10% of all reported injuries. Figures from the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work indicate that young people are at least 50% more likely to be hurt at work than older more experienced workers, so it’s vital that employers understand the added risk involved with employing teenagers and young, inexperienced workers.

Robert Roe, assistant chief executive of the HSA says: “Accidents don’t just happen, our research shows that the vast majority of accidents can be prevented with some forward planning and common sense. Young people, possibly entering the workforce for the first time, are at an early stage in developing the necessary skills and awareness levels so employers need to pay special attention to them, particularly around their training and induction.”