Rank: New forum user 
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We are employing a school leaver this summer, who will be still 15 when he starts employment, my concerns are his limitation on the use of machinery. I have looked on the HSE website and cannot see any problems with him using mowers. strimmers and driving a utility vehicle.Can somebody plaease confirm this and provide any other information I may have overlooked.
Thank you..
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Rank: Forum user
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As with all machinery, he must get the requisite training on each type of equipment he is being asked to use. Also, I think you will have to carry out a young person risk assessment and ensure they have adequate support structures in place. You may also need to check with your insurers.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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I think its down to the level of supervision you intend to provide.
And you need to think the reality of that supervision being in place at all times.
Driving at 15 - What does it say in agriculture section these days. I drove tractors at 14 but I think there have been major changes in the past 45 years!
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Rank: Forum user
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gsowden - having just received a resounding NO from our insurers regarding an altogether older employee who is not allowed to even drive our sit on mowers or tractor due to the lack of a driving licence I would be very careful......highly likely that he would not be insured.
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Rank: Forum user
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Rank: Super forum user
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With regards to the use of plant I thought it was a minimum of 18 along with suitable training. (I may be wrong)
If its an young employee I would be very careful, he may very well be competent but have a word with your insurance company (as someone already said) to confirm it all.
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Rank: Forum user
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Take a long hard look at the Management of Health and Safety at Work regs reg19, paragraph 2(e) most mowers and strimmers probably do transmit a fair level of vibration, also paragraph (1)would a 15 year old demonstrate a suitable level of experience and maturity to be allowed to drive a utility vehicle? They would also have to be under suitable supervision which, when driving the vehicle would reasonably require someone to be sat alongside them as well as when operating the mowers and strimmers. Start them off steady on non powered equipment and allow the experienced and competent staff to guide you in your judgement call on when to start introducing them to the higher risk stuff.
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Rank: Forum user
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Interesting split in replies here which mirror the current HS climate
half of the replies point to legislation and best practice
half of the replies say contact your insurance company
(would there advice be more than the legislation requires i wonder)
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Rank: Super forum user
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ianjones wrote:
half of the replies say contact your insurance company
(would there advice be more than the legislation requires i wonder)
I'd place a wager on this being correct.
I sometimes think a more appropriate title would be loss prevention / civil mitigation manager than health and safety manager!
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Rank: Super forum user
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Speaking from perspective of an insurer I agree that all an insurer would require was compliance with relevant legislation. Despite what Govt/No10/Mr Cameron thinks we do not ask for much more as far as EL cover is concerned. Indeed the legislation prevents insurers from placing any restrictions on EL covers. So rather begs the question of why ask the insurer in the first place...!
Thus the poster who commented that young person "...may not be covered." is incorrect. The insurance covers the employer - and insurers are unable to rule out any employees, any activities etc. So, if employer has EL insurance, young person asked to do a job and is injured they could allege negligence (and/or breach of statutory duty). And if their case was proved then insurer would pay compensation. Job done!
Phil
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Rank: Super forum user
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PS I should have said what is suggested leaves me cold...! No, no no. Even after YPs risk assessment etc thought of 15 yeasr old undertaking such tasks doesn't appeal to me - even with 100% supervision. If that could ever be supplied or guaranteed.
Phil
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Rank: Super forum user
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Phil Grace wrote:Speaking from perspective of an insurer I agree that all an insurer would require was compliance with relevant legislation. Despite what Govt/No10/Mr Cameron thinks we do not ask for much more as far as EL cover is concerned. Indeed the legislation prevents insurers from placing any restrictions on EL covers. So rather begs the question of why ask the insurer in the first place...!
Thus the poster who commented that young person "...may not be covered." is incorrect. The insurance covers the employer - and insurers are unable to rule out any employees, any activities etc. So, if employer has EL insurance, young person asked to do a job and is injured they could allege negligence (and/or breach of statutory duty). And if their case was proved then insurer would pay compensation. Job done!
Phil Grace wrote:PS I should have said what is suggested leaves me cold...! No, no no. Even after YPs risk assessment etc thought of 15 yeasr old undertaking such tasks doesn't appeal to me - even with 100% supervision. If that could ever be supplied or guaranteed.
Phil
Phil, I may have missed something here but your second post seems to contradict the first. What is the legislation you refer to that prevents insurers from placing any restrictions on EL covers? (What about Risk 'Requirements' that insurer surveyors often demand?)
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