Health and Safety at Work
The primary responsibility for ensuring health and safety in the workplace lies with those who create the risk, and in particular employers need to make suitable and sufficient arrangements for managing health and safety.
Officers within the section are responsible for enforcing the provisions of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 in all premises for which the Council has enforcement responsibilities. These premises include warehouses and stores, offices and shops, garden centres and residential care homes.
We also provide advice and investigate accidents in the workplace. The following are some of the areas that we cover that concerns young people under the age of 18.
If you want any further information on any of our services please contact us on the details below
We also provide people with information on the following topics;
Tattoo and Skin Piercing
You must be at least 18 years before you can have a tattoo; it is illegal for anyone to have a tattoo under 18 even with parental consent.
To find out more about illegal tattooing and the risks click on this link. A leaflet with information about the truth about illegal tattooing leaflet that has been produced, click here for further information:
If you would like to report a person working from an unregistered premises, such as their home, if your tattoo has become infected, or if you have been tattooed and are under the age of 18, or would like further information or advice please contact a member of Environmental Health’s, Health and Safety team in confidence and private at: public_protection_service@wrexham.gov.uk or fill out an online form at: Online Form
Sunbeds
Sunbeds give out ultraviolet (UV) rays that increase your risk of developing skin cancer (both malignant melanoma and non-melanoma). Many sunbeds give out greater doses of UV rays than the midday Mediterranean sun.
The risks are greater for young people. Evidence shows that:
people who are frequently exposed to UV rays before 25 years of age are at greater risk of developing skin cancer later in life sunburn in childhood can greatly increase the risk of developing skin cancer later in life
It’s illegal for people who are under 18 years of age to use sunbeds. The Sunbeds (Regulation) Act 2010 (Wales) Regulations 2011 makes it an offence for someone operating a sunbed business to permit those under 18 from:
using a sunbed at the business premises, including beauty salons, leisure centres, gyms and hotels being offered the use of a sunbed at the business premises
being allowed in an area that's reserved for sunbed users (unless they're working as an employee of the business)
Sunbeds, sunlamps and tanning booths give out the same type of harmful radiation as sunlight. UVA rays make up about 95% of sunlight. They can cause your skin to age prematurely, making it look coarse, leathery and wrinkled. UVB rays make up about 5% and cause your skin to burn.
A tan is your body's attempt to protect itself from the damaging effect of UV rays. Using a sunbed to get a tan isn't safer than tanning in the sun. It may even be more harmful depending on factors such as:
the strength of UV rays from the sunbed
how often you use a sunbed
the length of your sunbed sessions
your skin type - for example, whether you have fair or dark skin
your age
Prolonged exposure to UV rays increases your risk of developing malignant melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer.
You can't always see the damage that UV rays cause. The symptoms of skin damage can take up to 20 years to appear.
UV rays can also damage your eyes, causing problems such as irritation, conjunctivitis or cataracts, particularly if you don’t wear goggles.
Work Experience
Too many young people are injured or made ill at work. In many cases lack of information, lack of work experience and lack of confidence are to blame. Speak Up, Stay Safe is a British Safety Council campaign that aims to put young people and confident communication at the heart of good health and safety.
As work placement students you have a duty to take care of your own health and safety, and that of others who may be affected by your actions.
This includes listening carefully, following instructions, using any safety equipment that has been provided and taking part in relevant training.
If you have any concerns about your health and safety, raise them with your placement provider or organiser and tell them about any accidents or illness which you think may be work related.
Workplace health and safety representatives can play a valuable role early on, by:
· introducing you to the workplace
· helping you raise any particular concerns
Find out more about employee health and safety
Find out more about work experience responsibilities.
Further advice and information can be found Looking out for work hazards – advice for young people
Fireworks
You can’t buy or use ‘adult’ fireworks if you’re under 18, and it’s against the law for anyone to set off fireworks between 11pm and 7am, except on certain occasions.
Adult fireworks are category 2 and 3 fireworks - they don’t include things like sparklers and party poppers.
The law says you must not set off or throw fireworks (including sparklers) in the street or other public places.
You must not set off fireworks between 11pm and 7am. The exceptions are:
Bonfire Night, when the cut off is midnight
New Year’s Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year, when the cut off is 1am
For further information on good practice and the law visit trading standards advice on fireworks
Contact Details
- Contact Address:
- Housing and Public Protection Department
Ruthin Road
LL13 7HU - Phone Number:
- 01978 298989
- Fax Number:
- 01978 315701
- Email Address:
- [javascript protected email address]
