One of the UK’s largest insurers is urging the fresh produce industry to give young people a safe start in employment.

Norwich Union is calling on employers to be aware of their responsibilities when taking on any 16-18 year-olds in the workplace.

“Accidents are the greatest single threat to the life of children and young people,” said NU liability risk manager Phil Grace. “A combined lack of experience and maturity can provide a lethal combination - especially in the workplace.”

The insurance giant is launching a Simply Safety campaign with a downloadable guide available from its website at www.nurs.co.uk advising different trades on how to give those in the 16-18 year age bracket a safe and productive start in the working environment.

Grace warns that more specific regulations apply for this category, including those on vocational training and work experience placements. “The Health and Safety (Young Persons) Regulations 1997 require employers to undertake particular assessments of the risks affecting the health and safety of employees under 18 before the young person starts work,” he said Grace.

“On completion, the risks and control measures must be brought to the attention of the young person, their parents, or those having parental responsibility.”

The regulations prohibit the employment of young people where risk assessment identifies harmful exposure to toxic substances, radiation, extreme cold or heat, vibration, noise or work that is beyond their physical capacity.

“There are also specific prohibitions on the employment of young persons in certain trades or the use of particular plant and machinery, so it is wise to seek guidance before taking on a young person - more information can be obtained from the HSE website,” said Grace.

And employers also need to be aware of that those in the 18-21 age group need extra support and that their work should be subject to special risk assessments. “Young people may have a reduced perception of danger, exposing them to greater risk, therefore it may be necessary to provide greater controls where they are working,” said Grace.

“In one instance, an 18 year old fork lift truck driver attempted a 180 degree turn at speed; the truck overturned and the driver died from a fractured skull. All employees were permitted to drive the trucks but the deceased had received no training. This may have been avoided if additional training and supervision had been provided.”