SSSTS Induction Training & Young Workers 2

Question 1

What legal definition is used for a 'young person' under health and safety legislation?

Accepted Answer

A person who has not yet reached 18 years of age

Answer

A person under 21

Answer

A person in the first year of an apprenticeship regardless of age

Answer

A person under 25 in their first job

Question 2

What is the principal hazard for young workers on a construction site compared with experienced adults?

Accepted Answer

Lack of experience and inability to recognise hazards, combined with a tendency to underestimate risk and comply with peer pressure

Answer

Physical weakness making them unable to carry heavy loads

Answer

Young workers are less likely to have accidents than experienced workers

Answer

Young workers have more accidents only due to their physical size

Question 3

What work is prohibited for young workers under UK health and safety legislation?

Accepted Answer

Work involving serious and specific risks to their health, safety and development that cannot be adequately controlled

Answer

All work with power tools

Answer

All work at height

Answer

All work involving manual handling

Question 4

What type of additional supervision is required for young workers on a construction site?

Accepted Answer

More frequent, active supervision — being present during tasks, checking understanding and giving immediate feedback, more so than for experienced adult workers

Answer

No additional supervision is required for young workers who hold a CSCS card

Answer

Supervision is only increased if the young worker makes a mistake

Answer

Standard supervision is always sufficient regardless of age

Question 5

What is the responsibility of an employer before employing a young person as a worker for the first time?

Accepted Answer

Carry out a risk assessment specific to the young person before they start work and, if they are a child (under school leaving age), inform the parent or guardian

Answer

Issue them with a CSCS card

Answer

Require them to complete a 4-week induction programme

Answer

Notify the HSE before the young person starts work

Question 6

Why is a mentor or buddy system effective for new and young workers on construction sites?

Accepted Answer

Pairing a new or young worker with an experienced, safety-conscious colleague provides ongoing guidance, enables questions to be asked without embarrassment and reduces the risk of isolation in an unfamiliar environment

Answer

It reduces the cost of formal training

Answer

It allows the supervisor to reduce their own supervision duties

Answer

It is only effective for workers new to the industry, not those transferring between sites