Health & Safety
Health and safety is an important consideration in the arrangement of placements for young people.
It is essential that:
Students are properly prepared and briefed on the hazards of the workplace and the control measures provided to reduce or eliminate risk or injury, before they start work.
All workplace prohibitions will be noted on the student’s job description and risk assessment, which is usually provided in writing by Xperience prior to the commencement of the placement. The accuracy of the document should be checked at pre placement visit or during induction and amendments made at that point.
Xperience on behalf of the school and employer undertake health and safety checks. This is a specific check with young people in mind and will probably cover:
- Seeing the employers written health and safety policy
- Confirmation that the premises have been notified to the relevant enforcing authority
- That the employers conform to current HSE health and safety standards
- That the employer has Employers Liability insurance
It is important that during the period of work experience the student is supervised at all times even though in employment terms the student is counted as an employee for the duration of the placement. As an employee they are covered by all current employment legislation related to health and safety in the workplace.
Although the duty of care of any student on placement still remains with the school, employers must exercise “due diligence” in their provision.
It is important that any accidents are reported immediately to Xperience and the school. Guidance to schools suggests that contact must be available both before and after normal office hours. (9am to 5pm). If a student has agreed to work alternative or extended hours special arrangements will have to be made with the school so contact can be maintained.
If, as an employer you have any doubts or questions relating to health and safety, please contact Xperience who will be able to answer all your queries.