U.S. Department of Labor | ||||||
Occupational Safety & Health Administration |
OSHA News Release
2004 - 12/06/2004 - Federal Agencies Launch Effort to Help Teen Workers Stay Safe and Healthy on the Job this Winter |
OSHA News Release - Table of Contents |
National News Release: 04-2467-NAT Date: Dec. 6, 2004 Contact: Frank Meilinger Phone: 202-693-1999 Federal Agencies Launch Effort to Help Teen Workers Stay Safe and Healthy on the Job this Winter
WASHINGTON -- Millions of American teens are preparing to enter the workforce this winter doing a variety of jobs that will teach them valuable skills. While most will earn extra money and gain valuable work experience, many risk being seriously or even fatally injured on the job. Eighty percent of U.S. teenagers work during their high school years. In 2002, a total of 38,600 teens were injured at work and 133 died as a result of an on-the-job injury. To address this challenge, numerous federal agencies, collectively known as the Federal Network for Young Worker Safety and Health (FedNet), have joined together to educate teens, their parents, counselors and employers on how young people can stay safe on the job. FedNet's latest Web-based product, Winter Worker Land provides teen worker safety and health materials in English and Spanish. Topics covered include safe winter driving, snow removal, dressing for the cold weather and other winter safety tips, as well as tips on workplace violence prevention and safety topics related to working in restaurants. "This new resource will help teenagers obtain additional information to help keep them safe on the job," said OSHA Administrator John Henshaw. "By providing practical information on a wide range of work activities, and getting teens to follow proper behaviors, we can help ensure that young people have safe and healthy work experiences." There are five basic things teens can do to help reduce the risk of injuries and illnesses:
Employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthful workplace for their employees. OSHA's role is to assure the safety and health of America's workers by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual improvement in workplace safety and health. For more information, visit www.osha.gov. # # #
This news release text is on the Internet at http://www.osha.gov. Information on this release will be made available to sensory impaired individuals upon request. Voice phone: (202) 693-1999. |
OSHA News Release - Table of Contents |
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