Young workers, the right start

Apprentices and under-18s bring energy to a team, but they're new to the risks and more likely to get hurt. The law asks for a bit of extra thought before they start.

under this, these rules apply: 18; under this, these rules apply
hours a day, usually the most: 8; hours a day, usually the most
the assessment must be done before: Day 1; the assessment must be done before

The law

“Every employer shall ensure that young persons employed by him are protected at work from any risks to their health or safety which are a consequence of their lack of experience, or absence of awareness of existing or potential risks or the fact that young persons have not yet fully matured.”

Regulation 19(1)Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

In plain EnglishYoung people don't always spot a risk an experienced worker would. Plan for that.

Before they start

Review your risk assessment for young workers before their first day
Think about their inexperience, strength and maturity
Decide what they can't do yet, and write it down
Name who supervises them day to day
Give a proper induction and training
For school-age children, tell their parents about the risks and controls

Working hours

Young workers have tighter limits than adults. Set a typical shift and see how it stacks up.

StartFinishBreakDays a week

00:0006:0012:0018:0022:0024:00

2 things to fix

No more than 8 hours a day9.0 hours
No more than 40 hours a week45.0 hours
A 30-minute break after 4.5 hours30 min break
12 hours' rest between working days14.5 hours
Two days off a week2 days off
No work between 10pm and 6am07:30–17:00

There are limited exceptions, for example in hospitals or some hospitality work. Check before you rely on one.

Work to avoid

Young workers shouldn't do work like this. For those over school-leaving age there's an exception when it's needed for their training, they're closely supervised and the risk is reduced.

Beyond their physical or mental ability
Involving harmful substances, radiation or toxic exposure
With a risk of accidents they're unlikely to recognise
In extreme heat, cold, noise or vibration

Apprentices on site

Pair them with someone experienced, keep them off ladders and machinery until they're trained, and check in often. A five-minute chat each morning goes a long way.

Quick check

Quick check · 1 of 3

When must a young person's risk assessment be done?

How we help

As your competent person, this is part of your package or available as an add-on.

Young person risk assessments

Specific assessments for each apprentice, with clear limits and supervision.

Induction plans

A simple first-week plan so nothing gets missed.

Hours and rota checks

We check rotas against the working time limits.

Ongoing support

As they gain skills, we help you update what they can do.

Talk to us See how we review a risk assessment

More guidance

Lone workingKeeping people safe when they work on their own.Risk assessmentThe five steps, rating risk, and controls that work.Fire safetyFire risk assessment and the responsible person's duties.Reporting accidentsIs it reportable under RIDDOR? Find out in a few clicks.CDM 2015Who does what on construction work, and when to notify HSE.Working at heightAvoid, prevent, minimise, and getting ladders right.

Guidance reviewed October 2026. A plain-English summary of the law in England, Scotland and Wales, not legal advice. Always check the full text on legislation.gov.uk and the latest HSE guidance.

Taking on an apprentice?

Book a free compliance check and we'll make sure you're ready for day one.

Book your free compliance check hivissafetyltd@gmail.com

Same consultant every time
Software included
Fixed monthly fee