Health and Safety (Young Persons) Regulations 1997

These regulations implement certain European Directive provisions concerning the protection of young persons at work. They extend the requirement to carry out a risk assessment as in the 1992 ”Management Regulations“ to include risks to young persons. They require certain information to be given to employees and to the parents/guardians of children.

Employers must protect young persons from any risks to their health and safety which are associated with the young persons lack of experience, lack of awareness of existing risks, or immaturity.

Employers may not employ young persons where the work is:

• Beyond their physical or psychological capacity.
• Involves exposure to toxic or carcinogenic substances.
• Involves harmful exposure to radiation.
• Involves a risk of accidents which young persons may not reasonably recognise due to their insufficient attention to safety or lack of experience or training.
• Involves a risk to health from extreme temperatures, noise or vibration.

These regulations are now covered by the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999