Employers warned be extra vigilant when hiring students for summer

Employers should be extra vigilant when taking on students or other young workers for the summer, says the Health and Safety Authority.

With young people making up just 4% of the workforce but suffering about one-in-10 of reported workplace injuries, it says businesses should understand the added risks of employing teenagers and young, inexperienced workers. It may be linked to the fact that young people often get jobs in sectors such as hospitality, which expose them to a higher risk of workplace injury.

Among the HSA’s key tips for employers are to ensure young workers are given appropriate training and clear instructions, provided with any necessary personal protective equipment, and to closely supervise them,particularly when doing higher-risk activities.