MPs call for action over young deaths at work
April 1st 2007 A growing number of MPs from all political parties are calling for a Parliamentary debate and government action over the number of deaths and injuries of young people in the workplace. Over the last decade, 14 500 teenagers were seriously injured at work and 66 were killed. To help prevent these unnecessary deaths and injuries, the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) has produced a six-point action plan, Putting young workers first. The plan calls for the Government to make the new Workplace hazard awareness course for year 10 pupils, developed by IOSH and the HSE a mandatory part of every curriculum. Michael Clapham MP, chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Occupational Safety and Health, says "The large number of deaths and injuries of teenagers in the workplace is an appalling tragedy, involving wasted young lives and misery. But all this is preventable. Young people at the beginning of their working lives, through lack of life experience and health and safety training are particularly vulnerable to workplace hazards. IOSH's proposed measures are a practical solution to this issue which I strongly support." More articles from IOSH: | 
