Think safety for school holiday workers

The Institution of Occupational Health and Safety (IOSH) said safety practitioners would need to brush up on their safety systems in view of the potential influx of inexperienced workers.

It said a good starting point was to audit current arrangements for managing risks to young workers, looking at risk assessments, supervision, induction and training in particular.

IOSH president Neil Budworth said: "Employers need to take better care of the young people who work for them. They're more than just an extra pair of hands during a busy trading time, and they need close supervision."

IOSH recently launched a new free online resource that can help. 'Wiseup2work' has a host of interactive exercises and easy-to-use guidance for practitioners looking for some extra help - see link above/right.