What should I do if I identify underage workers on my worksite?

Discovering underage workers on your worksite is a serious matter that requires immediate attention and appropriate action to protect the welfare of the children involved and comply with legal obligations. Here are the steps you should take:

1. Remove the underage workers from harmful conditions: as a priority, ensure the immediate safety and well-being of the underage workers by removing them from any hazardous or inappropriate work environments.
2. Provide care and support: offer appropriate care and support to the underage workers. This may involve providing access to medical assistance, counselling, and other necessary services to address any physical or psychological issues resulting from their work experience.
3. Document the incident: document all relevant details about the underage workers, including their names, ages, and any information about how they came to work at your worksite. Maintain records of the incident for future reference and legal compliance.
4. Notify relevant authorities: report the discovery of underage workers to the appropriate government authorities responsible for labour and child protection. Cooperate fully with any investigations or actions that may follow.
5. Inform senior management: notify your company’s senior management or relevant stakeholders about the situation. Transparency and prompt communication are crucial in addressing the issue effectively.
6. Conduct an investigation: initiate an internal investigation to understand how the underage workers were employed at your worksite. Identify any gaps or weaknesses in your hiring and monitoring processes that allowed this to happen.
7. Adhere to legal requirements: Comply with all legal requirements related to reporting and addressing child labour in your country or region. Work closely with authorities to ensure that your actions are in line with the law.
8. Collaborate with child protection organizations: collaborate with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and child protection organizations experienced in combating child labour and exploitation. Seek their guidance and support in handling the situation.
9. Prevent recurrence: take steps to prevent the recurrence of child labor in your worksite. Strengthen your recruitment and hiring practices, and ensure robust age verification procedures are in place.
10. Support reintegration: If feasible, work with relevant organizations to support the reintegration of the underage workers into appropriate educational or family settings, ensuring they are protected from future exploitation.