Press Release: National Apprenticeship Week – Preventing Work Accidents
1st February 2012
As part of National Apprenticeship Week (6th – 10th February), accident claims specialist National Accident Helpline, is advising employers and apprentices to take health and safety in the workplace even more seriously.
According to the Health & Safety Executive, a total of 171 people were killed as a result of accidents at work last year, compared with 147 during 2009/10. More than 24,700 workers suffered a major injury in 2010/11 and it’s reported that young people are often more at risk of workplace injuries for the following reasons:
• Young people may lack experience or maturity or may be unaware of how to raise concerns
• They may not have reached physical maturity and therefore lack the strength demanded
• They may be eager to impress or please work colleagues.
National Accident Helpline’s Consumer Director, Beth Powell, said: “Apprenticeships are a wonderful opportunity for young people, but the latest figures highlight the importance of taking health and safety very seriously. We want to make sure that apprentices and employers know how to prevent accidents from happening in the first place.
“Many young people won’t have had much work experience, so it’s crucial that employers make sure their apprentices are familiar with health and safety best practice and understand that they are also very likely to need extra supervision. We want these young people to stay safe and have long and successful careers.” she added.
National Apprenticeship Week celebrates the skills of young apprentices across the UK and as the biggest and most experienced claims company, National Accident Helpline is calling for employers and apprentices to follow the simple health and safety guidelines below:
Employers
• Carry out a thorough risk assessment before the apprentice joins the company
• Rectify any safety hazards before the apprentice starts work
• Allow apprentices to raise any health and safety concerns they may have
• Provide close supervision and mentoring of the apprentice
• Report work accidents that prevent apprentices from working for over three days to RIDDOR
Apprentices
• Ensure that all health and safety training and advice is carried out during the apprenticeship
• Report any safety hazards to your line manager
• Allow plenty of time for your journey to and from work, and don’t compromise on safety by rushing
Further guidance and advice on health and safety in the workplace can be found on the Health and Safety Executive website by visiting www.hse.gov.uk
