An educational library of workplace documents — purpose, who completes them, when they are used, typical fields, common mistakes and how they connect. Linked to workplace safety, workplace training, occupations, industries and employment documents. Informational only — template examples, not legal advice or official documents; employers remain responsible and using a document does not guarantee compliance.
What a young person risk assessment is
A young person risk assessment looks at the particular risks to younger workers — those below a defined age, including those on work experience — taking account of their inexperience, lack of awareness of risk and physical and psychological maturity, and records the extra precautions needed.
This page is an educational overview with a simplified example. It is not an official template, not jurisdiction-specific and not legal advice — the employer decides what their young person assessment must cover and which age thresholds apply.
Purpose
- Identify additional risks to younger or inexperienced workers.
- Consider tasks, equipment and substances that may be unsuitable.
- Record extra supervision, training and restrictions.
- Support a safe introduction to work for young people.
Who completes it
- A competent person appointed by the employer.
- With input from supervisors who will oversee the young worker.
- Reviewed within the organisation’s own process.
- It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the assessor is competent.
When it is used
- Before a young person or work-experience placement starts.
- When their tasks, equipment or supervision change.
- As the young person gains experience and competence.
- On a review cycle defined by the employer.
Typical fields
- Role or placement, and the tasks involved.
- Risks linked to inexperience, awareness and maturity.
- Tasks, equipment or substances that may be restricted.
- Supervision, training and induction arrangements.
- Any limits on hours or duties, and review date.
- Example fields only — adapt to the role and the applicable law.
Common mistakes
- Treating a young worker the same as an experienced adult.
- Allowing unsuitable tasks or equipment without restriction.
- Too little supervision during the early period.
- Never reviewing it as the young person develops.
Document workflow
A young person risk assessment sits within the wider risk assessment and informs the induction, supervision arrangements and any restrictions in the safe system of work. It is shared with supervisors and, where relevant, parents or the placement provider; a change triggers a review.
See the related documents below for what is commonly used with a young person risk assessment.
Retention (high level)
Young person assessments are generally kept for as long as they are relevant and for a period afterwards, in line with the employer’s obligations and data-protection duties, as they concern an individual. Specific retention periods vary by jurisdiction.
This page does not state a required period — confirm retention with the applicable law and the official authority.
Completing and sharing as a PDF
Young person assessments are commonly completed and stored as PDFs alongside the induction and risk assessment, and shared with supervisors. Exporting to PDF supports documentation; it does not make the assessment official or guarantee compliance.
Employer checklist
- Assess the specific risks to the young or inexperienced worker.
- Restrict unsuitable tasks, equipment and substances.
- Provide extra supervision, induction and training.
- Review as the young person develops and after changes.
Worker notes
- Ask if you are unsure — it is expected, not a weakness.
- Stick to the tasks and equipment you are trained and allowed to use.
- Tell your supervisor if a task feels beyond your training.
Country considerations
Age thresholds, restricted work and rules on young workers and work experience vary by country, and the official authority differs. This page is high-level and general — it is not a statement of any country’s law and not a guarantee that a document is valid anywhere.
Always confirm the current requirements with the official authority for your country and a qualified professional.
Who is responsible
The employer is responsible for assessing and managing the risks to young workers and compliance. This page is an educational overview with a template example; it does not determine what your assessment must contain, does not make a workplace compliant and does not transfer responsibility.
Export, edit and share documents
The documents, policies and templates this involves can be exported, edited, signed, stored and shared as PDFs with the HELPERG PDF Editor.
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