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Posted By Steve Langston
We are about to recruit loaders within the refuse and recycling service. Do any local authorities have any guidance or restrictions relating to the above subject, in particular:
Is it reasonable to recruit 16-18 year olds considering their potential lack of experience, insufficient attention to safety, the potential to come into contact with dangerous machinery (bin lift mechanisms, compaction units etc), and the physical aspects of the work itself (recycling boxes, wheelie bins etc).
I know it is a matter of risk assessment but would like to know how others have approached the issue.
Any comments from LA's or others greatly appreciated.
Cheers
Steve
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Rank: Guest
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Posted By Dave Wilson
Dont work for a LA but think you have already identified the pitfalls with employing this age group on this particular task and I think you know what the answer should be!!
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Rank: Guest
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Posted By steven bentham
What happened to an sssessment, instruction, training, toolbox talks, supervision, ppe?
Are you saying at 17 they can't walk at the back of a bin wagon but at 18 they can walk at the back of an armoured vehicle in any major conflict in the world?
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Rank: Guest
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Posted By Dave Wilson
In response to your first posting you can employ whoever you like matey, however the amount of Suitable Training and Adequate Supervision and Risk Assessment stuff you will need is far more onerous than if it were for an adult.
In response to the second posting if the 17 year old gets shot or falls under the wheels of the APC etc then the Prime Minister, CO, Com Commander, Troop Officer, Section Leader etc etc does not get fined and sent to jail, you can!!!
You would have to look at this very carefully and cover your own ass as the employer and be seen to be doing everthing to protect a 'young person at work' as emptying bins / whellie bins is not an easy job and is not best suited to all persons, think of this 16 year old 10 1/2 stone run over by car on second day in the job or caught hand in back of refuse lorry and lost 4 fingers etc etc
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Rank: Guest
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Posted By steven bentham
Whilst I understand the desire to cover your arse. I accept that young and inexperienced and sometimes very old hands are most at risk.
But if it is possible to loose fingers, your in trouble if they are 17 or 18 or 57 years of age. If the machine is dangerous it should be guarded!
As for being run over, well are you saying keep them in doors until they are 18 years of age? They have probably had traffic exposure already, unless we are suggesting of changing the age when someone can drive on the roads as well, do we stop all under persons under 18 years from walking near the roads?
I am assuming that other than the driver you are not staffing the whole crew with 16 year olds? Training is done and they are supervised.
Or, keep them in the office until they are past 18 years.
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