The lives of teenage workers could be at risk because small firms are breaking health and safety laws.

The majority of small firms do not carry out proper health and safety procedures for workers aged under 18 and admit they do not believe teenagers are ready for the world of work.

A poll of 500 firms by insurance giant Norwich Union found that four out of five employers blamed schools for not preparing pupils for the workplace.

Around six per cent of employers said a youngster on work experience or a summer job had been involved in an accident.

One in three of the accidents was serious or required treatment.

Teresa Budworth, spokeswoman for Norwich Union, said: "Many small business employers are not fulfiling their legal or moral responsibilities for health and safety, putting young people's lives at risk.

"Youngsters have a right to feel safe, whatever job they are doing, and we must all strive to ensure they are adequately protected as they enter the world of work for the first time."

Norwich Union said it had joined forces with the Royal Society for the Protection of Accidents to try to cut the number of workplace accidents.

A website has been launched, giving advice on protecting youngsters from accidents - www.young-worker.co.uk