Young Persons Risk Assessment Template for South Africa

The Young Persons Risk Assessment is a critical workplace safety document that you must complete whenever individuals under 18 years of age will be present in your organization. This comprehensive assessment helps you identify potential hazards and implement appropriate control measures to protect young persons from workplace risks that could affect their physical, mental, or emotional development.

When do you need this document?

You need a Young Persons Risk Assessment before any young person begins work experience, apprenticeships, internships, or training programs in your workplace. This requirement applies to schools arranging workplace visits, employers hiring young workers, and organizations hosting educational placements. You must also update the assessment when there are significant changes to the young person's role, working environment, or when new hazards are identified. The assessment is particularly crucial for industries involving machinery, chemicals, or physically demanding tasks where young persons may be at greater risk than adult workers.

Key legal considerations

Your assessment must address several critical areas specific to young persons' vulnerability in workplace settings. These include physical limitations and developmental considerations, as young people may lack the strength, coordination, or judgment of adult workers. You need to evaluate supervision requirements, ensuring adequate oversight by trained personnel who understand young persons' needs. The assessment should cover restricted activities and prohibited work under employment legislation, training requirements tailored to their experience level, and emergency procedures that account for young persons' potential reactions to workplace incidents. Additionally, you must consider working hours limitations, break requirements, and any medical conditions or learning difficulties that could affect their safety.

Legal requirements in South Africa

Under South African law, your Young Persons Risk Assessment must comply with multiple pieces of legislation working together to protect young people. The Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993 requires employers to provide a safe working environment and conduct risk assessments for all workers, with enhanced protections for young persons. The Children's Act 38 of 2005 establishes the framework for protecting children's rights and wellbeing, while the Basic Conditions of Employment Act 75 of 1997 sets specific restrictions on young persons' working conditions, including prohibited activities and maximum working hours. The Constitution's Section 28 provides the foundational right to protection from harm. Your assessment must demonstrate how you will prevent young persons from performing dangerous work, ensure appropriate supervision, provide necessary training, and maintain records as required by the Department of Labour. Failure to conduct proper risk assessments can result in prosecution, fines, and potential civil liability if injuries occur.