An independent opticians practise is a great environment for a budding young optometrist to come and learn the ropes while they study.

There’s no doubt that offering work experience opportunities to young people can be extremely beneficial to both the individual and to your business, however without the proper insurance cover it could turn out to be more costly than you first thought.

Whether you realise it or not, any individual working for you is your legal responsibility, whether they’re full time, part time or lending a hand for a few days over summer.

This essentially means that if a summer worker injures themselves or has property damaged as a result of their work, they are well within their rights to claim for compensation, leaving you faced with expensive court fees and a hefty fine.

What cover do I need?

Public liability insurance does not cover an individual while they are working in your practise. This applies to anyone working in your practise on temporary basis including summer workers, apprentices, and long term work experience placements.

If you are looking to take on a student at your opticians practise, it is essential that you have employers liability insurance.

When taking on a work experience student, the risks will be similar to those associated with any employee working for you. As a generally low risk environment, an optician’s practise should prepare for everyday risks such as injury, illness or damage to/loss of property.

Steps you can take…

There are a number of things you can do to protect your business and the individuals working for you. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE), who sets the law on employee welfare, states:

“Students and trainees, including children, on work experience are regarded in health and safety law as employees. Students on work experience placements must be provided with the same health, safety and welfare protection given to other employees. 

Things you may want to consider before taking on a work experience student include:

• That the workload you have in mind for your helper is suitable for their age and ability
• That the student is above 13 years old – the youngest age a child can work part-time
• How they will handle work equipment
• That their working environment meets company policy
• The need for tailored training or close supervision
• To what extent your assistant will need to be trained on health and safety procedures in the practise
• Employers liability insurance

A student should thrive in your practise providing the work is appropriate for their age, risks are reduced to the lowest level and a competent member of the team properly supervises their work.

In the unfortunate event that an accident does occur and you feel you may be vulnerable to a claim, rest assured that with employers liability cover from Infocus Opticians Insurance, you will be covered with an insurance programme that suits your needs and requirements.

Written by: admin