protecting the young at work - WiseUp2WorkDay

National WiseUp2WorkDay is an initiative led by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) to highlight safety for the under 21s when they begin work, apprenticeships or work experience.

Each year, an average of 10 young people are killed and 2,500 young people are badly injured during the course of work apprenticeships or even work experience.

The aim of National WiseUp2Work Day (held on 30 August 2006) is to highlight the risks for young people, and also to call for better training and induction, so that the number of workplace accidents can be reduced. This is coupled with increasing awareness of the safety issues involved and explaining what measures can be taken to reduce risk and the number of accidents.

Alison McClure, head of the Personal Injury team at leading law firm Blake Lapthorn, comments:

"This is a time of year when many young people are entering the workforce, and often will have had no previous employment. They will often be unaware of the risks to themselves, and it is important that employees recognise the risks and what they can do to help prevent accidents."

If you would like further advice about an accident at work or preventing accidents in the workplace, then please contact Claire Howard in the Personal Injury team on 023 8085 7313 or email claire.howard@bllaw.co.uk.