Welsh solicitors Leo Abse and Cohen alongside Unite the Union are sending out a stern warning to Welsh students looking to earn some quick cash over the Christmas break following worrying statistics reporting a 50 % increase in the death of young workers over the past year.
With the seasonal business surge starting to take its toll, about one million students will be taken on by employers over the next couple of weeks and it is feared that, in this busy period, health and safety training is often forsaken for these temporary staff.
The organisations are backing the national campaign 'speak up and stay safe' run by APIL (Association of Personal Injury Lawyers) so that unnecessary deaths and injuries can be
avoided.
According to APIL the highest rate of all workplace injuries occurs in the 16-24 age group with more than 17,000 young workers injured over the past year.
Mike Jenkins, partner and personal injury specialist at Leo Abse and Cohen, said: "Welsh students play a major part in keeping our economy sustainable, especially during the busy festive period. However, the figures suggest that employers are snubbing their safety."
Andy Richards, Unite regional secretary for Wales, said: "Health and safety needs to be at the top of every organisation's agenda and training should be given to all staff regardless of whether they are temporary or permanent. "
The 'speak up and stay safe' campaign is urging young workers to be cautious of safety shy employers and stand firm if all is not well.
Added Mike: "Young people worried about safety in the workplace should really speak out if they are concerned, as everyone has the right to go to work and come home again unharmed even if they are only a short term 'extra pair of hands'."