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Archived News Release--Caution: information may be out of date.

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Office of Public Affairs

OPA Press Release: Keeping Young Workers Safe: That's Everyone's Job This Summer [06/27/2000]

For more information call: (202) 693-4650

As schools let out and millions of teenagers begin their summer jobs, U.S. Labor Secretary Alexis M. Herman is asking teens, their parents and employers to join together in a team effort to keep young workers safe at work. "Summer jobs are some of the best learning experiences our youth have, but we all have a part in ensuring that those experiences are safe, " said Labor Secretary Alexis M. Herman as she launched the fifth annual "Work Safe This Summer" public awareness campaign.

Television stations across the country will begin getting that message in a video public service announcement featuring Secretary Herman and members of the Women's National Basketball Association's Phoenix Mercury. The Mercury is among a host of sporting teams, employer associations and corporations that have joined Secretary Herman in reminding employers and young workers that on-the-job injuries and deaths are preventable.

"Each year, 70 teens are killed on the job and another 200,000 are injured, Herman said. "If parents, employers and community organizations work together to ensure that teens work safely and legally, those numbers will drop."

Most teenagers work in retail stores - restaurants and supermarkets - preparing food and cashiering. And others work in agricultural employment where 40 percent of youth fatalities occur.

Vehicle-related accidents of all types are the number one killer of young workers. Tractor-related fatalities alone account for one-third of all agricultural fatalities of youths 17 and under. Homicide is another leading cause of death as too many young workers are left alone at night in stores that are targets for violent criminals.

Cuts from operating meat slicers, burns from handling hot grease and strains from lifting bags and moving stock are all too common injuries at restaurants and grocery stores.

Under federal law, operating paper balers, meat slicers, and wood-working machines and most driving are designated as too dangerous for workers under 18.

Hours of work are also restricted for workers under 16, although during summer months they may work 40 hours during a workweek and until 9 p.m. in the evening. During school months, the hours are limited to after 7 a.m. and before 7 p.m., with a limit of 18 hours in a school week.

"Parents should find out where their children are working and what jobs they are performing," said Bernard E. Anderson, assistant secretary of labor for employment standards. "Teens should ask about the jobs they are assigned and the hours they are asked to work. Most importantly, employers should know and follow the law. Young workers have lost their lives or been seriously hurt while using equipment or performing jobs that are specifically prohibited as too dangerous for teens. Knowledge is the best prescription for prevention."

The Labor Department has an employer guide, a poster with tips for work safety and other materials available on the Internet at www.dol.gov/esa/summer/sw-sk.htm or from local offices of the department's Wage and Hour Division listed in the blue pages of the telephone directory.

The department's "Work Safe This Summer" partners are the American Academy of Pediatrics, the National Consumers' League and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

Archived News Release--Caution: information may be out of date.