Employing young workers, apprentices, and temporary staff brings fresh energy to the workplace, but it also comes with heightened legal responsibilities.
Under health and safety law in England and Wales, employers must take extra care to protect these vulnerable groups. When things go wrong due to negligence, injured workers may be entitled to claim compensation and with no win, no fee funding available, accessing justice has never been more achievable.
Understanding Employer Duties for Young Workers
Young workers, typically defined as those under 18, face increased risks in the workplace due to their lack of experience, physical maturity, and awareness of hazards. Employers must take proactive steps to ensure their safety, including:
- Conducting thorough risk assessments before employment begins
- Providing age-appropriate training and supervision
- Ensuring equipment and tasks are suitable for their physical and emotional development
- Safeguarding against exploitation or unsafe working conditions
These duties apply equally to apprentices and temporary staff, who may be unfamiliar with workplace procedures or lack the confidence to speak up about unsafe practices.
According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), employers have the primary responsibility for the health and safety of apprentices and must manage any significant risks effectively. This includes working closely with training providers and ensuring that supervision standards are robust.
When Employers Fall Short
Sadly, breaches of these duties are not uncommon. Injuries can occur while operating machinery without proper training. Workers can slip on a wet floor in a warehouse where there are no signs to warn of the hazard. These incidents highlight the importance of:
- Clear induction processes
- Ongoing supervision
- Regular safety checks
- A culture that encourages reporting concerns
In such cases, the injured party may be entitled to compensation if the employer failed to meet their legal obligations.
Your Right to Claim Compensation
If you or someone you know has been injured at work due to employer negligence, you have the right to seek compensation. This can cover:
- Pain, suffering, and loss of amenity (loss of enjoyment of life during the period of injury)
- Loss of earnings if time away from work due to injury/treatment
- Medical expenses even if available on the NHS
- Incidental losses and expenses arising from the accident
- Future care needs if required.
Claims must be brought within three years of the incident (subject to exceptions), and evidence such as medical records, witness statements, and accident reports can strengthen your case and help value your claim.
No Win, No Fee: Making Legal Help Accessible
At Ison Harrison, we understand that financial concerns can be a barrier to justice. That’s why we offer no win, no fee funding for personal injury claims. This means:
- No upfront costs
- No legal fees if your claim is unsuccessful
- Expert representation from trusted lawyers
Our team has extensive experience supporting young workers, apprentices, and temps across Yorkshire and beyond. We’re Lexcel-accredited and known for our compassionate, client-focused approach.
If you’re a young worker, apprentice, or temp who’s been injured due to poor supervision, inadequate training, or unsafe working conditions, don’t wait. You may be entitled to compensation and we’re here to help.
Contact Ison Harrison Solicitors today for a free, no-obligation consultation
Let our expert personal injury team guide you through your options and fight for the justice you deserve.
Get in touch today by calling us on 0113 284 5000 or email pi@isonharrison.co.uk
