Young Workers Have Rights Too!

Headlines:

“Two workers, ages 14 and 19, were suffocated when they were engulfed by corn in a grain silo”
“18 year old dies when his clothes get tangled in a portable mortar mixer”
“17 year old assistant pool manager was electrocuted when she contacted an ungrounded motor”

Young workers between the ages of 16 and 24 are twice as likely to suffer an injury or an illness on the job as more experienced workers. As schools let out for summer and college graduates start their job search, we need to be reminded that the younger workers do not have all of the necessary training and experience to keep them safe on their new jobs. Employers are required to provide the safety training and protection for new, temporary, and/or seasonal workers that will ensure their safety for the work they are required to perform. Co-workers need to recognize that younger workers may or may not have had, or may not understand all of the necessary training for their new job and should be ready to help monitor or mentor the new worker’s activities. Parents and educators can also play a vital role by asking questions about the safety training received; job duties the new workers are expected to perform, and to coach them on questions to ask.

The www.osha.gov/youngworkers/resources.html web site contains related “must know” information on other related subjects that should be discussed and understood before starting any new job. Explore the information in this web site with a young worker and have, perhaps, the most important conversation with them that may start them off on an injury free career!

• Safety – Of course!
• Worker Rights
• Worker Responsibilities
• Discrimination
• Sexual Harassment
• How To Handle Problems