The first step in IOSH’s six-point plan to safeguard young workers has become a reality.
Just over a month after IOSH published its ‘Putting young workers first’ document on National Wiseup2work Day, on 30 August, health and safety was reinstated as a key priority in the Learning Skills Council’s (LSC’s) Grant Letter of October 2006.
The grant letter sets out what the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) expects from LSC in return for its annual grant from central government.
A number of Parliamentary Questions about young workers’ safety have also been asked on IOSH’s behalf by Mike Hancock MP, the Liberal Democrat member for Portsmouth South. Mr Hancock asked the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, Alan Johnson MP:
– What his most recent estimate is of the under-reporting of learner-related accidents to the Learning and Skills Council in England;
– If he will ensure that vocational training accident reporting procedure advice forms part of the placement officers’ briefing to employers offering work experience;
– If he will introduce a vocational training accident reporting procedure as part of (a) the teacher training curriculum, (b) classroom teaching and (c) placement officer training.
He also asked the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, John Hutton MP:
– What research he has commissioned to determine how many over three-day injuries are not reported by young people injured on practical vocational training within educational establishments; and if he will make a statement.
Interface will keep members updated on the progress of our young workers campaign and on any responses to the Parliamentary Questions. To obtain a copy of ‘Putting young workers first’ visit www.iosh.co.uk or contact Anne Smart [email protected]
