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Staying safe during a work placement

If you’re doing a work placement, it’s important that you know your health and safety responsibilities: everyone in the workplace has them.

Be risk aware: think about risks to yourself, the people you work with and – if relevant - members of the public. Make sure you’re in a position to identify hazards early on, and that you know how to combat them.

• Employees' health and safety responsibilities (employment section)

Learning about health and safety during your placement

Your supervisor should be able to provide information on health and safety policies, procedures and training.

There are a number of resources available to develop your knowledge of health and safety and help you become risk aware.

• Download Be Safe guide and workbook: health and safety during work placements (PDF, 1444K)

• Download Be Safe interactive workbook (PDF, 473K)

• The Safe Learner Blueprint - information for learners and employers Opens new window

• Resources from the Health and Safety Executive Opens new window

Problems with health and safety during a placement

You’re entitled to a safe and healthy environment while you’re doing your placement.

You can expect:

• free access to and advice on suitable personal protective equipment or facilities
• any training necessary for you to work safely – including training on how to use equipment
• information on any arrangements for supervision of your work
  

SafeLearner line

If you’ve got concerns about health and safety on your placement, raise them with your supervisor. Alternatively, contact the person at your place of learning who’s responsible for arranging the placement.

Or you can contact the Learning and Skills Council (LSC)’s SafeLeaner Line. The LSC funds further education courses in England, including many work-related courses:

• call the Safelearner Line on 0808 800 4000 (8.00 am to 8.00 pm Monday to Friday and 9.00 am to noon on Saturdays)
• text 07781 472568
  

You can also email: safelearners@bss.org

More useful links

• Work experience in Years 10 and 11

• Voluntary work placements (young people section)

• Getting a graduate job or placement