Saturday, May 13, 2006
Safety important part of teens’ summer jobs
Labor laws limit work youth can perform
By SHARON GUEST
4-H/YOUTH DEVELOPMENT AGENT
Flagler/Palm Coast News-Tribune
Many teenagers will become part of the local workforce throughout the summer months. This is an opportunity for them to receive a modest income and gain experience in the workplace for a permanent job at a later time.
Parents and youth both should be aware that there can be safety issues for youth that are different from the adult workplace. Injuries to youth often are the result of unsafe equipment or stressful conditions. Teens may not receive adequate safety training and supervision and are more likely to be injured when working on jobs that are not allowed by law.
According to the Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 60 to 70 teens die each year from job-related injuries and another 250,000 young workers sustain work-related injuries and illnesses. It is important to understand that there are federal child labor laws that limit the types of jobs and hours worked by teenagers. Most states also have supporting laws that must be followed regarding youth as employees in addition to the federal laws.
Federal child labor laws prohibit workers younger than 18 from:
*Operating power-driven hoisting equipment
*Operating power-driven circular saws, band saws, meat slicers or bakery machines
*Driving a motor vehicle and being an outside helper on a motor vehicle
*Working in wrecking, demolition, excavation, or roofing
*Working in mining, logging, or sawmilling
*Working in meat-packing or slaughtering
*Working where there is exposure to radiation
*Working where explosives are manufactured or stored
No one 14 or 15 years old may:
*Bake or cook on the job (except at a serving counter)
*Operate power-driven machinery
*Work on a ladder or scaffold
*Work in warehouses
*Work in construction, building, or manufacturing
*Load or unload a truck, railroad car or conveyor
For the working teen: By law, your employer must provide a safe and healthful workplace; safety training and information on harmful chemicals; payment for medical care if you get hurt or sick (possibly lost wages); and you must be paid a minimum wage. Teens also should understand that they have the right to report safety problems to OSHA, work without racial or sexual harassment, refuse to work if the job is immediately dangerous to life and health, and have the opportunity to join a union.
With proper training, adequate supervision, and appropriate working hours, teens can work safely and efficiently in the workplace. Summer employment can be fun and a time for learning the responsibilities that come later in life. Youth also have the opportunity to get exposure to an occupation that they may be considering for employment after graduation.
For more information on working safe, visit the Department of Labor Web site at dol.gov or call your local Wage and Hour Office (under Department of Labor in the blue pages of your local telephone book).
Serial story: THE MOUSE AND THE MOTORCYCLE