A request from a local school led to three council departments working together to advise teenagers making their way into the work environment about their legal duties and rights.
Officers from Environmental Health, Human Resources and Communications addressed Year 10 students at Eastbourne’s Technical College.
Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Spokesperson for Housing, Health and Community Services Councillor Sandie Howlett says, “Young persons in the workplace are the missed section of our society in connection with health and safety matters. Their lack of life experience, knowledge and concept of risk having a profound impact on their Health and Safety prowess. They will be our future employees and businesses and therefore instrumental in promoting a good health and safety culture in our businesses making Eastbourne a safer place to work, visit and live.”
The presentation informed students of the hazards they may face in the work place whilst on work placements and what they should expect from an employer for Health and Safety and contracts.
Eastbourne Borough Council’s Health and Safety Officers promoted health and safety issues that students need to consider before they enter the world of work.
A competition to be drawn in European Safety and Health Week to promote health and safety was launched. This year’s campaign slogan is ‘Safe Start’ and is dedicated to the occupational safety and health of young people.
Too many young people are getting hurt at work. In just five years:
- More than 50 under-18’s have lost their lives in UK workplaces
- Nearly 13,000 were badly injured
- Across Europe, young adults have 50% more accidents than older workers
Further information can be found on Eastbourne Borough Council’s new ‘Learn about Health and Safety at Work’ web pages at
www.eastbourne.gov.uk/safety
Eastbourne Health and safety officers message for students:
1. Ask if you are unsure about anything
2. Be aware of your rights, and where to seek help
3. Do not carry out tasks until you’ve been properly trained,
4. Be confident in speaking up when there is a problem, and
5. Take care of your own health and safety and that of people who may be affected by what you do or not do.
To help students and businesses in Eastbourne follow the law Eastbourne promoted their newly launched and revised web pages.
These can be downloaded from our website at
Further presentations are being considered to other schools and colleges who undertake work placements.
