Employers urged to carry out risk assessments

Posted 13/07/2009

Companies have been advised to carry out risk assessments to prevent younger employees from suffering a personal injury at work.

According to Aviva, there was a “large number” of workplace accidents involving under-18s last year.

The company said many of these incidents took place on premises where powered machinery and equipment was in use.

Aviva has therefore urged employers to reduce the chances of receiving compensation claims by providing adequate staff training and carrying out a full hazard assessment.

Phil Grace, liability risk manager at Aviva, commented: “The lack of experience and maturity of young people, as well as a reduced perception of risk, can be extremely dangerous in a working environment.”

Meanwhile, the TUC has called on the government to ensure that funding for the Health and Safety Executive is increased.

Brendan Barber, general secretary of the organisation, said this would help to prevent employers from risking the health and the lives of their workforce.