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Hazards magazine report highlights young workers' safety
21 August 2006
In the run-up to European Health and Safety Week, a report in TUC-backed Hazards magazine sounds a warning on health and safety for young workers.
The report - 'Too young to die' - in the summer edition of the journal for trade union safety reps reveals that 4,000 young people are seriously injured at work every year. 12 were killed last year and 15,000 injured badly enough to be forced off work for 3 days or more. Across Europe 18 to 24 year olds are 50 percent more likely to be injured in work accidents than more experienced workers. The report blames management failure to recognise the inexperience and the need for training of young workers despite the existence of stricter health and safety laws designed to protect them.
The report goes on to describe the legal framework that should look after young workers when they take their first steps into the world of work. And it explains the importance of trade union organisation on health and safety for young workers - both as a way of introducing young people into the union and as a way of making work safer for young people.
Doug Russell, Health and safety Officer says, 'The TUC report is a timely reminder of the importance of this issue. That is why Usdaw welcomes the fact that young workers have been chosen as the theme for European Week for Safety and Health at Work in October, under the 'Safe Start' logo. The issue is particularly appropriate for Usdaw reps as so many students and young people get their first work experience in the retail sector.A good grounding in health and safety and an understanding of the role the union can play in protecting their interests at the start will set them up for the future'
Hazards journal is a health and safety journal that provides resources and information for trade union activists and is supported by the TUC,. For subscription details, click here
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Email: healthandsafety@usdaw.org.uk
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