Young Persons Risk Assessment Template for England and Wales

A Young Persons Risk Assessment is a legal requirement that protects workers under 18 by identifying and managing workplace risks specific to their age and inexperience. Under England and Wales law, you must complete this assessment before any young person starts work, training, or work experience at your organization.

When do you need this document?

You need a Young Persons Risk Assessment whenever employing someone under 18, offering work experience placements, providing apprenticeships to minors, or engaging young volunteers in workplace activities. This includes part-time jobs, holiday work, school work experience programs, and youth training schemes. The assessment must be completed before the young person begins any work activities and reviewed regularly throughout their placement. You're also required to share relevant findings with parents or guardians before work commences, ensuring they understand the risks and control measures in place.

Key legal considerations

Your assessment must address the specific vulnerabilities of young workers, including their physical and psychological development, lack of experience, and tendency to take risks. Key areas include evaluating exposure to hazardous substances, dangerous machinery, extreme temperatures, and high-risk environments. You must consider their capacity for manual handling, working at height, and operating equipment safely. The assessment should account for factors like fatigue, concentration levels, and the need for closer supervision. Control measures must be proportionate and may include restricting access to certain areas, providing additional training, ensuring constant supervision, or modifying work tasks to reduce risks.

Legal requirements in England and Wales

Under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, you must conduct specific risk assessments for workers under 18, considering their inexperience and developmental factors. The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 establishes your general duty of care, while the Working Time Regulations 1998 restrict working hours and mandate rest breaks for young workers. You must comply with the Children and Young Persons Act 1933 regarding prohibited activities and the Children (Protection at Work) Regulations 1998 for additional workplace protections. The assessment must be documented, regularly reviewed, and made available to relevant parties including parents, guardians, and supervisors. You're required to provide appropriate information, instruction, and training before work begins, ensuring young workers understand risks and safety procedures relevant to their role.