The Health, Safety, Ethical & Environmental Executive started the New Year by publishing updated guidelines for those employing under 18-year-olds or organising work experience.

The guidelines form a booklet called Young people at work - a guide for employers. It is the second edition.

The reason for the new guidelines is that last year six youngsters died as a result of their jobs, 1,551 sustained serious injuries and 5,310 were hurt badly enough to need three days or more off work.

These updated guidelines point out particular risks to youngsters, the law relating to employing them, including specific restrictions relating to under-18s and references to approved codes of practice and other information likely to be of help.

For more information call the HSE\'s InfoLine: