Teenage Employment: Keeping Teens Safe at Work

Is your teen scouting the job market for that all-important summer job? Probably the last thing on their mind is workplace safety, but it should be an important consideration for anyone when choosing a job.

Teen workers are twice as likely to experience a job-related injurythan older workers, according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, a division of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Young workers, newly employed, have little experience in the work environment and also in specific job tasks.

The Most Dangerous Jobs for Teenagers

Unsafe conditions, high-stress environments, and inadequate training or supervision cause teen workplace injuries. The most dangerous jobs for teenagers include:

• Construction-related work when dealing with excessive noise, electrical tasks, and working on heights without adequate training.
• Agricultural work that involves working with heavy machinery and natural hazards.
• Delivery jobs like newspapers or pizza can be dangerous for those with little driving experience.
• Lawn service jobs involve the use of dangerous tools and machinery such as tractors and chainsaws, as well as hazardous pesticides and fertilizers.
• Restaurant jobs can expose teens to hot substances as well as dangerous heat sources, with the risk of serious burns.
• Traveling sales jobs can bring teens into unsafe neighborhoods and also require extensive driving.
• Cash businesses like gas stations and convenience stores may be dangerous environments without supervision, especially when working alone at night.

Common workplace injuries for young workers include cuts, burns, and sprains, but they can also suffer more serious harm such as concussions, broken bones and amputations.

Keeping Teens Safe at Work

Don’t let your young worker go it alone. Stay involved in his or her activities by asking questions about the work environment. Probe workplace safety by asking about the training received, workplace cleanliness and if your teen feels safe and comfortable at work.

Teenagers should be instructed to report any on-the-job injury to the employer immediately.

Learn more about the federal laws that govern young workers at YouthRules.govand those in effect in California from the Department of Industrial Relations.

Let Us Know If Your Teen Has Been Injured at Work

If your teen has been denied Worker’s Compensationor Social Security Disability (SSDI)benefits, it’s important to get an attorney experienced in these types of cases involved immediately.  Call 800.438.7734for your initial free consultation, either in our Van Nuys office or in the comfort of your own home. The Kenton Koszdin Law Officecan help you navigate the application process for the best possible outcome for you and your family.