A Safe Apprenticeship: Hazardous Work Requires Consistent Supervision
A recent Federal Court ruling highlights the responsibility that vocational training providers bear in the education of young people. Anyone who assigns apprentices to dangerous tasks must not only instruct them but also closely guide and supervise them throughout their entire apprenticeship.
In the case under review, a first-year apprentice was seriously injured while working on a milling machine. He was working without the required supervision. The Federal Supreme Court upheld the conviction of the vocational trainer responsible.
The ruling makes it clear: Even if trainees are familiar with safety rules, vocational instructors must not assume that they will apply them correctly in every situation. A lack of experience often leads to hazards being recognized too late. Clear guidelines exist, especially for hazardous work. Vocational instructors must be familiar with the relevant protective and supporting measures and implement them consistently.
Workplace safety is an ongoing process
«A single briefing on the first day of work isn’t enough. Safety must be discussed, modeled, and practiced throughout the entire apprenticeship,» says Caroline Marfurt, campaign manager for “Safe Apprenticeship” at Suva. Apprentices are heavily influenced by how experienced employees—especially their vocational trainer—handle safety rules.
Specifically, this means that vocational trainers are not only instructors for their trainees, but also trusted advisors and role models. Regular instruction is essential—not only at the start of the apprenticeship, but also for every new task and on an ongoing basis throughout the entire apprenticeship. Equally important are active guidance and supervision of the apprentices, especially during hazardous work. Vocational trainers must lead by example. This includes consistently wearing personal protective equipment themselves, adhering to the industry’s vital safety rules, and saying “STOP” when danger arises.
Apprentices are particularly at risk of accidents
Every year, approximately 23,000 apprentices in Switzerland are involved in workplace accidents. Their risk of injury is twice as high as that of experienced employees. Many work processes, tools, and hazards are new to them. This is precisely why apprentices must be consistently trained and supervised.
Through its «Safe Apprenticeship» campaign, Suva supports all stakeholders in embedding workplace safety in apprenticeships from the very beginning.
Source: Suva
A Safe Apprenticeship – Preventing Accidents Involving Apprentices
