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New and young workers

Frequently asked questions

Contents

  1. At what age are workers considered young people?
  2. We have a family business and my 12 year old daughter helps in the restaurant folding napkins, sweeping up and taking orders, but is not paid for the work. Do your laws mean that my daughter can’t help out in the restaurant?
  3. Why is it important to consider children and young people in workplaces?
  4. Can my 17 year old employee use a slicer?
  5. I am wanting to induct a new employee. What should an induction include?
  6. What is the difference between an on the job induction programme and a safety induction programme?

1.  At what age are workers considered young people?

Workers under the age of 18 years, for example school leavers and apprentices.

2.  We have a family business and my 12 year old daughter helps in the restaurant folding napkins, sweeping up and taking orders, but is not paid for the work.  Do your laws mean that my daughter can’t help out in the restaurant?

Section 21 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 requires that an employer or a self employed person must ensure the safety of their employees and others at the workplace.  A risk assessment is required, taking into consideration the young persons level of competence.  Steps must be taken to ensure that young persons are not exposed to hazards in the kitchen area such as hot water, hot oil or sharp knives.

3. Why is it important to consider children and young people in workplaces?

There are special risk factors to consider when managing the safety of children and young people in workplaces, such as: 

  • young people may not make mature decisions about how to work safely;
  • they may leap into situations before thinking about their own safety and the safety of others;
  • they may not be capable of taking on the same work as adults in the workplace;
  • young people may be keen to work but need more experience and training before they can work safely on their own;
  • children can be playful and adventurous at times when there is a need for great care; and
  • sometimes their natural curiosity will take them into dangerous situations in  workplaces, even when they are warned not to be there.

4. Can my 17 year old employee use a slicer?

The manufacturer's instructions on some slicers warn against anybody under the age of 18 years using their equipment.  If this is the case, then follow the manufacturer's instructions. 

If there is no warning in the manufacturer's instructions, then a risk assessment must be done. The employer should ensure the young worker has been trained, is competent and able to work safely before they use the equipment.

5. I am wanting to induct a new employee. What should an induction include?

This is all dependant on what sort of workplace you have.  Inductions are a very important tool for workers' safety.  A basic induction can be found at the rear of the WorkSafe publication The First Step.  This induction can be changed to reflect the workplace.  Therefore, use this induction as a tool, take out and include relevant induction issues as necessary (i.e. an induction for an employee of a warehouse or retail workplace should include manual handling training on the induction checklist, as manual handling injuries make up a high statistic for workers in the retail and wholesale industry).

6. What is the difference between an on-the-job induction programme and a safety induction programme?

An on-the-job induction gives a person training specific to the job they will be doing on a day to day basis.  A safety induction programme will go through safe working procedures, which should be covered with every employee.  An example of a safety induction checklist can be found in  the WorkSafe publication The First Step. 

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