STUDENTS joined forces with a TV star to back a campaign to reduce injuries among young workers.
Over 700 pupils at Huddersfield New College have completed the British Safety Council’s entry level qualification in workplace hazard awareness.
Emmerdale and Bad Girls actress Claire King presented them with their certificates as well as a plaque for the college.
The qualification is available to young people aged 14 to 19 in full-time education and aims to keep young people in the workplace safe.
Julie Nerney, chief executive of the British Safety Council, said: “Every 40 minutes in the UK a young person is seriously injured in the workplace. We think this position is wholly unacceptable.
“By highlighting to young people that they need to be aware of their environment and speak up if they feel unsafe we hope to significantly reduce this number.
“Congratulations to Huddersfield New College for preparing so many young people for the workplace.”
The council is also launching a new campaign, Speak Up, Stay Safe, which asks young people to take responsibility for their own health and safety.
They are encouraged to talk to their work supervisor, parent, teacher or friends if they feel they are in an unsafe situation.
The council wants no young person to feel pressurised to work in an environment where there is a risk of injury or death.
Kam Rogerson, who co-ordinates work experience at the college, said: “We work with over 200 young people. Many of them have part time jobs, others spend time in the workplace as part of their course.
“This qualification helps them to recognise safe practice and to ensure that they do not put themselves or others at risk of injury or worse.”
