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Posted By Kenny McGillivray
Hi all
we are currently working on a pilot programme with a school to place students (14yr old) in placements on what we are calling vocational work experience. Trouble is I have not approved 2 high risk car repair garages for use by our trainers.
The deputy head from the school is not best pleased with me and despite my concerns intends to go ahead whether I like it or not. I have warned her otherwise and informed her local authority health & safety department.
what else should I do and how far do you think I should take this?
These placements have no systems in place at all despite employing 15+
regards
kenny
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Posted By Nigel Singleton BSc
Under the Employment of Women, Young Persons and Children Act 1920, employers are not allowed to employ children below minimum school leaving age in industrial undertakings, excpet when on work experience approved by the LEA, or governing body if the school is a foundation school.
I would put a copy of HSG 199 under the nose of the deputy head.
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Posted By Stuart Nagle
In addition to the above,
Specific risk assessments must be undertaken in respect of the employment of 'young persons'.
It is normal practice for these to be undertaken well in advance of young persons being employed, and if at School, copies normally have to be sent to the School in advance and the School should provide copies to Parents/Gardians for information and approval.
To allow the employemnt of a school age young person - whatever the scheme - without the process having been followed and controls implemented as necessary, could leave both the employer and School in an awkward situation should the young person have an accident in the workplace or suffer any other type of injury or ill health resulting from, for example, exposure to substances in the workplace !!
Stuart
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Posted By Jack
You mention that you have raised it with the LEA H&S Department. Have they indicated they will take action? (This assumes it's a Community School). If they have taken action they should keep you in the loop and let you know whether the school responds appropriately. If they have not taken action or if the school does not respond appropriately I think you (or a senior manager in your organisation) should raise it with the Education Department Chief Officer, in writing, clearly setting out your concerns and stating the action you have taken (copy in the LEA h&s department).
If the school is a Foundation School send the letter to the chair of the governing body (or whatever the equivalent is in Scotland (School Board?)).
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Posted By David J Bristow
Kenny
Stuart is spot on in that copies of risk assessments have to be given/shown to the parents or gaurdians (they would not be best pleased that the headteacher is going against your informed judgement).
Stick by your guns on this Kenny.
I undertake Health and Safety prevets for older persons going into work placements and on 3 occasions have refused the go ahead for the person to go to placement.
Enusre that you document everything that you do and good luck with the outcome.
Regards
David B
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Posted By Maggie Atterbury
Hi Kenny
I think the clincher might be to point out to the Headteacher that the school is still in Loco Parentis whilst the pupil is on work experience. In the event that the pupil has an accident, liability would rest on the school and possibily on the individual staff concerned who allowed the placement to go ahead, as you and the LEA could demonstrate that they had ignored legal requirements and expert advice!
Maggie Atterbury
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