'More must be done' to protect young workers

A leading health and safety body is urging the government to take action to protect employees starting in a new workplace.

The Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) has identified a lack of supervision and insufficient induction periods as a major cause of accidents for young workers.

A spokesperson for the organisation Richard Jones claims 15,000 workers aged under 19 years old have been injured in workplace accidents during the last decade.

He claims companies are failing to put adequate measures in place to ensure their employee's safety and is prompting the government to do something about it.

Mr Jones highlights the importance of an induction process for new employees, claiming it will reduce "the tragic loss of young lives".

He says: "It's particularly important that young workers are closely supervised by more experienced workers – not just left to 'get on with the job'."

IOSH also calls for the government to include basic health and safety training in school.

The organisation comprises of health and safety professionals and aims to regulate their actions.