Health and Safety at Work

STOP PRESS - Young people at work

Young people are recognised in health and safety law as being at greater risk than adults due to many factors. According to Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) accident statistics for those employees aged under 19, during the period 2010/11:

• 5 were killed in the workplace;
• 730 received serious injuries;
• 2,879 received injuries leading to at least three days off work.

Birmingham City Council's Health and Safety team has been working with schools and colleges and other partners to promote health and safety at work, particularly amongst young people. In collaboration with Bournville School and other partners a one-hour interactive teaching session has been developed. The session includes a basic introduction to health and safety law, accident related case studies involving young people and a quiz based on the ‘Who Wants to be a Millionaire’ format. This has been succesfully incorporated into the Personal Health and Social Education lessons.

A leaflet ’Young People At Work’ has also been produced and this aims to raise awareness of employers’ and employees’ duties at work as well as signposting students to where they can obtain further information concerning health and safety at work. A PDF version of the leaflet is attached below for anyone to download and use.

A wealth of information, guidance and legislation is provided on Health and Safety and Further Information and Links gives just some of the many useful websites on this topic.If you need specific advice about Health and Safety Law or are concerned about an accident at your workplace and would like to speak to one of our officers please contact us.

For further advice and assistance complete the Environmental Health Online Form Alternatively telephone the Health & Safety Team on 0121 303 9900, Fax details of your enquiry or e-mail direct to: publichealth@birmingham.gov.uk

Health and Safety Team,
Regulatory Services,
581 Tyburn Road
Erdington
Birmingham
B24 9RX

Enforcement of standards of occupational health and welfare at work in business is shared between the Local Authority and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). To find out whether the Local Authority or HSE oversee the activities of your business visit our page Enforcement Responsibilities

We investigate, where necessary, accidents at work and respond to requests for assistance. Health and Safety at Work - what we do? gives more information on our activities, and How we enforce the law? provides guidance on our enforcement role in respect of Health and safety matters.

Many businesses are unaware of their duties under health and safety legislation and do not know where to seek advice and information. The onus lies with the business, however, to familiarise themselves with their responsibilities.

Report an accident/incident allows the ONLINE facility to report an incident/accident.

We aim to protect the health and safety of employees and members of the public who may be affected by work activities in the City and help employers, employees and the self-employed understand and comply with the requirements of the Act, and associated legislation. Guidance in the form of a series of frequently asked questions and answers is provided in advice pages on:-
Asbestos
Display Screen Equipment
Health and Safety Policy Statements
Information, Instruction and Training
Heating
Lone Working
Ventilation
Welfare at Work