Young Persons Risk Assessment Template for Ireland

A Young Persons Risk Assessment is a comprehensive evaluation document that you must complete when employing anyone under 18 years of age in Ireland. This assessment goes beyond standard workplace risk assessments by specifically considering the unique vulnerabilities, developmental needs, and legal protections that apply to young workers in Irish workplaces.

When do you need this document?

You are legally required to conduct a Young Persons Risk Assessment before any worker under 18 begins employment in your organization. This includes part-time workers, apprentices, work experience students, and seasonal employees. The assessment must be completed whether the young person is working during school holidays, as part of an educational program, or in permanent employment. You must also update this assessment whenever working conditions change, new hazards are introduced, or the young person's role expands. Educational institutions placing students in work experience positions often require this assessment as part of their safeguarding procedures.

Key legal considerations

Your Young Persons Risk Assessment must address several critical elements to ensure legal compliance. You need to evaluate all workplace hazards with particular attention to risks that may disproportionately affect young workers, such as manual handling, exposure to chemicals, working with machinery, or psychological stressors. The assessment must establish appropriate supervision levels, ensuring young workers receive adequate guidance and monitoring throughout their employment. You must also consider working time restrictions, including daily and weekly hour limits, mandatory rest periods, and night work prohibitions. The document should address training requirements specific to young workers, taking into account their limited workplace experience and ongoing educational commitments.

Legal requirements in Ireland

Under the Protection of Young Persons (Employment) Act 1996, you have enhanced duties of care when employing workers under 18. This legislation works alongside the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 to create specific protections for young employees. You must ensure that young workers under 16 have appropriate work permits and that their employment does not interfere with their education. The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007 require you to conduct specific risk assessments for vulnerable workers, including detailed consideration of physical and psychological development factors. Your assessment must demonstrate compliance with EU Framework Directive requirements, showing that you have considered the young person's inexperience, lack of awareness of risks, and physical and psychological immaturity. Documentation must be maintained and made available for inspection by the Health and Safety Authority.