Co-founded by the
Erasmus+ Programme
of the European Union
SAFETY AND HEALTH OF STUDENTS/LEARNERS AT WORK
Young people and safety and health at work
Statistics show that 18- to 24-year-olds are more likely to have a serious accident at work than older adults. They may be exposed to poor working conditions leading to the development of occupational illnesses while still young or later in life.
New to the workplace, young people may lack experience and often lack both physical and psychological maturity. They may not take seriously enough the risks that they face. Other factors that put young people at greater risk include:
The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA) produces statistics, monitors risks to young people and supports the sharing of good practices to protect them in the workplace.
Help for educators and for parents
Educators have an important role to play. If they can develop a good attitude to and understanding of risk prevention in young people from an early age, they will help to keep them safe for life.
Using the ever-popular Napo character, EU-OSHA has devised a series of occupational safety and health education toolkits for teachers , aimed at introducing health and safety topics to primary school children in an educational, yet fun and imaginative way using the Napo clips and creative activities. Educators involved in organising vocational training or work experience placements should check safety and health arrangements with their employers.
Find out more about integrating safety and health into education at the following link:
https://osha.europa.eu/en/themes/mainstreaming-osh-education
Parents can support young people by making sure that they understand their rights and responsibilities. Parents can also help by talking to them about work and college and their safety and health.
Source:
https://osha.europa.eu/en/themes/young-workers
New to the workplace, young people may lack experience and often lack both physical and psychological maturity. They may not take seriously enough the risks that they face. Other factors that put young people at greater risk include:
- Insufficient skills and training
- Not being aware of their rights and their employer’s duties
- Not having the confidence to speak out
- Employers not recognising the additional protection that young workers need
The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA) produces statistics, monitors risks to young people and supports the sharing of good practices to protect them in the workplace.
Help for educators and for parents
Educators have an important role to play. If they can develop a good attitude to and understanding of risk prevention in young people from an early age, they will help to keep them safe for life.
Using the ever-popular Napo character, EU-OSHA has devised a series of occupational safety and health education toolkits for teachers , aimed at introducing health and safety topics to primary school children in an educational, yet fun and imaginative way using the Napo clips and creative activities. Educators involved in organising vocational training or work experience placements should check safety and health arrangements with their employers.
Find out more about integrating safety and health into education at the following link:
https://osha.europa.eu/en/themes/mainstreaming-osh-education
Parents can support young people by making sure that they understand their rights and responsibilities. Parents can also help by talking to them about work and college and their safety and health.
Source:
https://osha.europa.eu/en/themes/young-workers