Teen Workers:
You Have a Right to a Safe and Healthy Workplace and a Responsibility to be Safe
You may work to earn spending money, buy a car, save for college or gain work experience. Whatever the reason, plans for your job and for your future don’t include getting hurt.
Each year, 60 - 70 teens die from work-related injuries and about 200,000 young workers seek emergency medical treatment.
It doesn't have to be this way. You have the right to be safe and healthy at work and you have a responsibility to be safe. And there are simple, practical steps that you and your employer can take to help make sure that your job helps you build a better future.
Employer Responsibilities:
- Provide a workplace that protects workers from injuries, illnesses and fatalities.
- Know the law about working limits for teens, including the number of hours they can work and the kinds of jobs that can be performed.
- Emphasize the importance of safety.
- Make sure that young workers are trained properly.
- Teach workers to recognize hazards and use safe work practices.
Teen Worker Responsibilities:
- Trust your instincts about dangerous situations.
- Follow all safety rules.
- Wear proper safety equipment.
- Ask questions about potentially dangerous situations or equipment.
- Tell your supervisor or parent if you suspect unsafe conditions.
- Be aware of your work environment.
- Work safely.
- Stay sober and drug-free.
- Know your workplace rights.
What is OSHA?
OSHA is the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Its 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.
Finding answers:
Employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthy workplace for their employees. If you are worried about a specific workplace hazard or interested in learning more about keeping yourself and others safe and healthy at work, visit the OSHA Teen Workers website at www.osha.gov/teens. Or call OSHA toll-free at 1-800-321-OSHA to report a problem, ask questions or request information.
You have a right to a safe and healthy workplace.
To protect yourself:
- Know your workplace rights.
- Talk to your employer.
- Stay alert and work safely.
- Get safety and health training.
- Visit the OSHA Teen Workers website at www.osha.gov/teens.
Common workplace hazards and injuries:
- Slips, trips and falls
- Strains and sprains
- Chemical exposure
- Burns and cuts
- Eye injuries
- Hearing loss
- Motor vehicle crashes
- Electrocution
- Machinery malfunctions
For more complete information:
U.S. Department of Labor
www.osha.gov/teens
(800) 321-OSHA
(TTY) 1-877-889-5627
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