Working with Student Workers: Safety and Health in the Workplace
Employing student workers, just like other employees, involves health and safety risks. To employ young people in a safe and responsible manner, the employer must take into account specific legal provisions from welfare legislation and the Codex on well-being at work.
Who is considered a ‘young person at work’?
According to the law, 'young people at work' include:
- Minor employees (15 to 18 years old) who are no longer subject to full-time compulsory education;
- Persons with an apprenticeship or training agreement;
- Students who perform work as part of a training or education program;
- Student workers employed through a student agreement.
Risk assessment: the basic condition
Before a young person can be employed, a risk assessment must be carried out. This analysis identifies possible risks to the physical and mental health and general development of the young person, such as:
- Lack of experience;
- Insufficient awareness of dangers;
- Physical or psychological strain;
- Exposure to hazardous substances or conditions.
Prohibited work for young people
The law prohibits young people from performing work that can be considered dangerous. This includes work:
- That they cannot physically or psychologically handle;
- With exposure to toxic, carcinogenic substances or ionizing radiation;
- Where risks exist that they cannot assess or prevent due to their inexperience;
- Involving extreme temperatures, noise, or vibrations.
These prohibitions are specifically included in a non-exhaustive list in Book X of the Codex on well-being at work. In exceptional cases, such as in the context of training, deviations are permitted under strict conditions.
Health surveillance and medical examination
When young people are exposed to risks for which regular employees also require health surveillance, this also applies to them. Additional health assessments are mandatory for:
- Young people under 18 years of age at the start of employment;
- Students who perform night work;
- Students who are employed in dangerous work according to deviation provisions.
Prior questionnaire
Before starting employment, every young person must complete a health questionnaire. This helps to assess whether a medical examination is necessary. The external service Premed offers a digital platform via the client zone to efficiently organize this survey. Based on the completed data, the medical team decides whether a consultation with the occupational physician is required.
Reception and guidance
Good reception and guidance are crucial for safe student work. At the start, young people must be thoroughly informed about:
- The specific risks associated with their workstation;
- The preventive measures to be taken;
- Their rights and obligations in the workplace.
Employer is responsible
The employer remains responsible at all times for the well-being and safety of student workers. This means that the same obligations apply as for regular employees: a safe working environment, correct information, and compliance with health legislation.
