Avoid Workplace Injuries Among Young Workers

OSHA Tips to Help Avoid Injuries Among Young Workers

According to the The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), in 2020, the rate of work-related injuries treated in emergency departments for workers, ages 15-24, was 1.5 times greater than the rate for workers 25 years of age and older. Youth workers, as well as seasonal workers, are essential to the workforce which is why it’s important they have the necessary training and safety controls to anticipate hazards.

OSHA recommends employers take the following steps to reduce and prevent workplace injuries among teen and younger seasonal workers:

1. Understand and comply with federal and state child labor laws that restrict both the type of work and hours worked by younger employees.
2. Provide adequate safety training for younger and less experienced workers, to prepare them for a variety of potentially dangerous situations. Be sure to use language and vocabulary appropriate for a younger audience.
3. Encourage young workers to ask questions about procedures that aren’t understood and assign a more experienced employee to mentor the young worker on the job.
4. Inspect all equipment operated by young workers, to ensure it is legal and safe for them to use. All equipment not suitable for young employees should be clearly identified and labeled.