Introduction to Health and Safety at Work

special circum-
stances
’ where young people 
over
the minimum school 
leaving age are doing work necessary for their training, 
under proper supervision by a competent person, and 
providing the risks are reduced to the lowest level, so far 
as is reasonably practicable. Under no circumstances 
can children of compulsory school age do work involv-
ing these risks, whether they are employed or under 
training such as work experience.
Induction training is important for young workers 
and such training should include site rules, restricted 
areas, prohibited machines and processes, fi re precau-
tions and details of any further training related to their 
particular job. At induction, they should be introduced 
to their mentor and given close supervision, particularly 
during the fi rst few weeks of their employment.
A guide is available to employers who organize site 
visits for young people. The guide (www.safevisits.org.
uk) gives practical advice and a checklist that can be 
used during the organization of the visit.
More detailed guidance is available from HSE 
Books – HSG 165 ‘Young people at work’ and HSG 199 
‘Managing health and safety on work experience’.
5.10.2 Expectant and nursing mothers
The Management of Health and Safety at Work 
Regulations 1999 incorporates the Pregnant Workers 
Directive from the EU. If any type of work could present 
a particular risk to expectant or nursing mothers, the risk 
assessment must include an assessment of such risks. 
Should these risks be unavoidable, then the woman’s 
working conditions or hours must be altered to avoid 
the risks. The alternatives are for her to be offered other 
work or be suspended from work on full pay. The woman 
must notify the employer in writing that she is pregnant, 
or has given birth within the previous six months and/or 
is breastfeeding.
Pregnant workers should not be exposed to 
chemicals such as pesticides and lead or to biological 
hazards, such as hepatitis. Female agricultural workers, 
veterinaries or farmer’s wives who are pregnant, should 
not assist with lambing so that any possible contact with 
ovine chlamydial is avoided.
Typical factors which might affect such women are:
➤
manual 
handling
➤
chemical or biological agents
➤
ionising 
radiation
➤
passive 
smoking
➤
lack of rest room facilities
➤
temperature 
variations
➤
ergonomic issues related to prolonged standing, sit-
ting or the need for awkward body movement
➤
issues associated with the use and wearing of per-
sonal protective equipment
➤
working excessive hours
➤
stress and violence to staff.
Detailed guidance is available in 
New and expectant 
mothers at work
, HSG 122, HSE Books.