Approximately 2.3 million adolescents aged 16 to 17 years
worked in the U.S. in 2007. Official employment statistics are not available
for younger adolescents who are also known to work, especially in agricultural
settings. Because of their biologic, social, and economic characteristics,
young workers have unique and substantial risks for work-related injuries
and illnesses. In 2006, 30 youth under 18 died from work-related injuries.
In 2006, an estimated 52,600 work-related injuries and illnesses among
youth 15 to 17 years of age were treated in hospital emergency departments.
Only one-third of work-related injuries are seen in emergency departments,
therefore it is likely that approximately 157,000 youth sustain work-related
injuries and illnesses each year. The U.S. Public Health
Service has a Healthy People 2010 objective to reduce youth emergency
department injury rates to 3.4 injuries/100 full-time equivalents by 2010.
The rate in 2006 was 4.2 injuries/100 full-time equivalents.
Key
Resources - Young Worker Safety and Health |
Youth@Work: Talking Safety Curriculum
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2007-136
Curriculum in occupational safety and health that can be used in classroom or other group training settings. The curriculum has been customized for each state and Puerto-Rico to address state-specific rules and regulations, and includes instructions for teachers and a step-by-step guide for presenting the material.
NIOSH
Alert: Preventing Deaths, Injuries And Illnesses Of Young Workers
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2003-128 (2003)
en Espanol
Summarizes data on young worker injuries and illnesses, provides
case reports, and makes recommendations for prevention measures
that can be taken by young workers, employers, educators and parents.
Working
Together for Safety — A State Team Approach to Preventing Occupational
Injuries in Young People
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2005-134 (May 2005)
Contains two case studies that demonstrate the value of the State
team approach to fostering safe and healthful youth employment,
and also describes the experiences and activities of State teams
in the Northeast; the products developed by the teams, and key resources
for other States interested in creating their own State teams.
Data
On Young Worker Injuries And Illnesses In Worker Health Chartbook,
2004
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2004-146, pp. 266-276
This section of the NIOSH Worker Health Chartbook describes
data sources and includes downloadable charts with national
data on fatal injuries, nonfatal injuries and illnesses, and
data from a Massachusetts (SENSOR) case-based reporting system
of work-related injuries to adolescents. |
Number
and distribution of fatal occupational injuries by age among
young workers, 1992-2002.
|
Fatality
Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) Reports of Young Worker
Deaths
In-house FACE Reports of Young Worker Deaths
State-based FACE Reports of Young Worker
Deaths
NIOSH and state partners investigate deaths of young workers through
the Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) program. The
purpose of these investigations is to better understand the circumstances
that result in young worker injury deaths. Each report includes
a summary of the event resulting in the young worker’s death,
and recommendations that employers and others can take to prevent
future similar deaths.
NIOSH
Safety Checklist Program For Schools
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2004-101 (October 2003)
en Espanol
In one easy-to-read source, the Safety Checklist Program provides
information needed by schools to maintain safe classrooms, shops,
and labs for teachers and students in career-technical education.
This information can also be used by colleges and universities with
occupational safety and health programs.
Are You
A Working Teen? What You Should Know About Safety and Health On
the Job - FACTS
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 97-132 (1997)
en
Espanol
Document targeted to teen workers that answers questions about teen
worker rights, hazard recognition, as well as regulations on the
hours teens are permitted to work by law. |
NIOSHTIC-2 Search
NIOSHTIC-2
search results on Young Worker Safety and Health
NIOSHTIC-2 is
a searchable bibliographic
database of occupational safety and health publications, documents,
grant reports, and journal articles supported in whole or in part by NIOSH.
Reports/Publications Focused on Young Workers
Youth@Work: Talking Safety Curriculum
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2007-136
Curriculum in occupational safety and health that can be used in classroom or other group training settings. The curriculum has been customized for each state and Puerto-Rico to address state-specific rules and regulations, and includes instructions for teachers and a step-by-step guide for presenting the material.
Can You Dig It? A Safety & Health Guide for Young Workers in Landscaping, Greenhouses & Nurseries
1800 KB (2 pages)
External Link: http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/health/can-u-digit.pdf
en Espanol
This pamphlet developed by several federal and state agencies is targeted to workers less than 24 years of age and provides information on relevant age restrictions in federal child labor laws, safety and health hazards associated with this work, employee rights, and contact information for relevant federal agencies.
Injuries to Youth on U.S. Farm Operations, 2004
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2007-161
This pamphlet describes risks for children who live and work on farms, and provides recommendations for preventing childhood farm injuries.
Injuries to Youth on Hispanic Farm Operations, 2003
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2007-162
This pamphlet describes risks for children who live and work on farms operated by Hispanic farmers, and provides recommendations for preventing childhood farm injuries.
Injuries to Youth on Racial Minority Farm Operations, 2003
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2007-163
This pamphlet describes risks for children who live and work on farms operated by racial minority farmers, and provides recommendations for preventing childhood farm injuries.
Reduce Injuries and Fatalities to Working Youth
NIOSH Traumatic Injury Program Evidence Package, Chapter 5, Goal 8
Section in the NIOSH Traumatic Injury Research and Prevention Program Evidence Package reviewed by the National Academies of Sciences that describes NIOSH efforts to reduce injuries and fatalities to working youth, and an assessment of the impact of these efforts. Full Traumatic Injury Evidence Package
Child Labor
NIOSH Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing Program Evidence Package, Chapter 4, Goal 2, Section 4.1
Section in the NIOSH Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing Program Evidence Package reviewed by the National Academies of Sciences that describes NIOSH efforts to reduce childhood farm injuries, and an assessment of the impact of these efforts. Full Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing Evidence Package
School Chemistry Laboratory Safety Guide
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2007-107
This document attempts to provide teachers, and ultimately their students, with information so that they can take the appropriate precautionary actions in order to prevent or minimize hazards, harmful exposures, and injuries in the laboratory.
Reports
and publications specific to agriculture. NIOSH web page
with links to NIOSH reports and publications on young worker injuries
and illnesses in the agricultural sector.
Global Occupational Health Network Newsletter on Child Labour
& Adolescent Workers:
352 KB (16 pages)
External Link: http://www.who.int/occupational_health/publications/newsletter/Gohnet9eng.pdf
Includes a number of articles on international child labour and efforts
to improve the safety and health of child laborers worldwide, including
an article by NIOSH researchers on efforts to develop curricula to promote
young worker safety and health.
Working Together
for Safety — A State Team Approach to Preventing Occupational Injuries
in Young People
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2005-134 (May 2005)
Contains two case studies that demonstrate the value of the State team
approach to fostering safe and healthful youth employment, and also describes
the experiences and activities of State teams in the Northeast; the products
developed by the teams, and key resources for other States interested
in creating their own State teams.
NIOSH
Alert: Preventing Deaths, Injuries and Illnesses of Young Workers
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2003-128 (July 2003)
en Espanol
Provides case reports and examples of risks young workers may face while
on the job and recommendations for prevention.
NIOSH
Safety Checklist Program For Schools
en Espanol
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2004-101 (October 2003)
In one easy-to-read source, the Safety Checklist Program provides information
needed by schools to maintain safe classrooms, shops, and labs for teachers
and students in career-technical education. This information can also
be used by colleges and universities with occupational safety and health
programs.
Safe Work For
Youth In Construction - Information For Employers
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2004-113 (December 2003)
en
Espanol
This pamphlet describes risks for young workers doing construction work
and provides recommendations to construction employers on how to prevent
young worker injuries and deaths.
Preventing Work-Related Burn Injury to Youth Working in Fast
Food Restaurants--Fact Sheet
77 KB (1 page)
This fact sheet describes risks for burns to young workers in fast food
restaurants and provides recommendations for burn prevention.
NIOSH
Recommendations to the U.S. Department of Labor for Changes to Hazardous
Orders (May 2002)
The U.S. Department of Labor, NIOSH and others have identified the need
to assess the adequacy of existing HOs to protect working youth. NIOSH
developed a report based on a review of data and the scientific literature.
Safe Jobs for Youth (May 2001)
This document describes information disseminated by NIOSH in May 2001 to high school principals across the United States. The purpose of the mailing was to inform high schools and students about potential hazards of summer employment and steps students could take to stay safe.
Promoting Safe Work for Young Workers
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 99-141 (November 1999)
This guide is for anyone interested in young workers safety and health
issues. It is based on the experiences of three NIOSH-funded community-based
young worker projects.
Protecting Youth
at Work: Health, Safety, and Development of Working Children and Adolescents
in the United States (1998)
External Link: http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=6019
A book available for free online reading.This book provides historical
perspective on working children and adolescents in America and explores
the framework of child labor laws that govern that work. The committee
presents a wide range of data and analysis on the scope of youth employment,
factors that put children and adolescents at risk in the workplace, and
the positive and negative effects of employment, including data on educational
attainment and lifestyle choices.
Child Labor Research Needs - Recommendations
from the NIOSH Child Labor Working Team: Special Hazard Review
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 97-143 (August 1997)
Information about youth employment, occupational injury and illness in
young workers, Federal and State regulation of child labor, and national
objectives for the occupational safety and health of youths.
Are You A Working
Teen? What You Should Know About Safety and Health On the Job - FACTS
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 97-132 (1997)
en
Espanol
Document targeted to teen workers that answers questions about teen worker
rights, hazard recognition, as well as regulations on the hours teens
are permitted to work by law.
Control of Scrap
Paper Baler Crushing Hazards: Hazard Control 14
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 97-113 (1997)
A Hazard Control detailing an amendment to the Fair Labor Standards Act
regarding 16 and 17 year old workers and the operation and maintenance
of paper balers. The ANSI Standard for "Baling Equipment - Safety
Requirements" is also summarized.
Childhood
Work-Related Agricultural Fatalities--Minnesota, 1994-1997.
MMWR April 3, 1999/48(16);332-5. Journal article published in the Morbidity
and Mortality Weekly Report, a weekly publication of the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention.
Youth
Agricultural Work-Related Injuries Treated in Emergency Departments--United
States, October 1995-September 1997. MMWR September 11,1998/47(35);733-7.
Journal article published in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report,
a weekly publication of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Work-Related
Injuries and Illnesses Associated with Child Labor--United States, 1993.
MMWR June 7, 1996/45(22);464-8. Journal article published in the Morbidity
and Mortality Weekly Report, a weekly publication of the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention.
Other Relevant Publications
Nonfatal Occupational Injuries and Illnesses --- United States, 2004
MMWR April 27, 2007/56(16);393-397
Preventing Worker Injuries and Deaths from Mobile Crane Tip-Over, Boom Collapse, and Uncontrolled Hoisted Loads
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2006-142 (September 2006)
Nonfatal
Occupational Injuries and Illnesses Among Workers Treated in Hospital
Emergency Departments --- United States, 2003
MMWR April 28, 2006/55(16); 449-452
Data
On Young Worker Injuries And Illnesses In Worker Health Chartbook, 2004
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2004-146, pp. 266-276
This section of the NIOSH Worker Health Chartbook describes data sources
and includes downloadable charts with national data on fatal injuries,
nonfatal injuries and illnesses, and data from a Massachusetts (SENSOR)
case-based reporting system of work-related injuries to adolescents.
NIOSH Alert:
Preventing Falls of Workers Through Skylights and Roof and Floor Openings
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2004-156 (August 2004)
en
Espanol
NIOSH Alert: Preventing
Deaths and Injuries While Compacting or Baling Refuse Material
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2003-124 (July 2003)
en
Espanol
Work-Related
Roadway Crashes - Challenges and Opportunities For Prevention
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2003-119 (September 2003)
NIOSH Alert:
Preventing Injuries and Deaths From Falls During Construction and Maintenance
of Telecommunication Towers
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2001-156
en
Espanol
Fatal
Injuries To Civilian Workers in the United States, 1980-1995: National
and State Profiles
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2001-129S
Tracking Occupational
Injuries, Illnesses, and Hazards: The NIOSH Surveillance Strategic Plan
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2001-118 (January 2001)
Nonfatal
Occupational Injuries and Illnesses Treated in Hospital Emergency Departments
- United States, 1998. MMWR April 27, 2001/50(16);313-7.
Surveillance
for Nonfatal Occupational Injuries Treated in Hospital Emergency Departments
- United States, 1996. MMWR April 24, 1998/47(15);302-6.
Press Releases
Federal
Agencies Launch Effort to Help Teen Workers Stay Safe and Healthy on the
Job this Winter (December 2004)
External Link: http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=News_Releases&p_id=11149
OSHA press release announcing a collaborative effort of numerous federal
agencies including NIOSH (Federal Network for Young Worker Safety and
Health) to raise awareness of young worker safety in winter jobs.
Federal
Agencies Launch Effort to Help Teen Workers Stay Safe and Healthy on the
Job This Summer (May 2004)
External Link: http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=news_releases&p_id=10849
OSHA press release announcing a collaborative effort of numerous federal
agencies including NIOSH (Federal Network for Young Worker Safety and
Health) to raise awareness of young worker safety in summer jobs.
Forklift
Operations by Young Workers Subject of Safety Initiative
(February 2004)
External Link: http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=news_releases&p_id=10665
OSHA press release describing joint effort with NIOSH to raise awareness
of hazards of youth operating forklifts.
Preventing Teen
Worker Deaths, Injuries: NIOSH Issues New, Expanded Bulletin
(August 2003)
A NIOSH Update announcing the availability of NIOSH Alert” Preventing
Deaths, Injuries and Illnesses of Young Workers” which updated and
expanded upon a1995 NIOSH Alert.
Teens Face Serious
Risk of Job-Related Death in Agricultural Operations, NIOSH Finds
(September 2002)
A NIOSH Update announcing new data demonstrating that fatality rates for
youth in agriculture were more than twice the overall rate for occupational
injury fatalities in the U.S.
NIOSH Issues
Farm Youth Death, Injury Data, Introduces Web Information Resource
(September 2001)
A NIOSH Update announcing the availability of new data on childhood agricultural
injuries.
Teen Worker
Fatalities in Diverse Industries Show Importance of Injury Prevention
Efforts
(June 26, 2000)
A NIOSH Update encouraging efforts to improve young worker safety prior
to youth employment increasing with summer vacation. The Update included
6 case reports highlighting diverse circumstances in which youth were
fatally injured at work.
Most Teen Worker
Injuries in Restaurants Occur in Fast Food, NIOSH Study Finds
(December 1999)
A NIOSH Update announcing new findings on teen injuries in fast food restaurants.
Applications
for Research to Protect Workers Under 18 From Construction Injury, Death,
Sought by NIOSH (April 1999)
Announcement of funding for new research to prevent injury and death to
workers less than 18 years of age in the construction industry.
Safety, Health Precautions for Young
Workers Highlighted in NIOSH Poster to Schools
(June 1998)
A NIOSH update announcing a poster and other information emphasizing safety
and health at work for students under 18 years of age.
Job Death Rates for 16-, 17-Year-Olds
Comparable to or Higher Than Adult Rates for Leading Causes, NIOSH Finds
- Update ( December 1997)
A NIOSH update describing a 1997 study examining the three leading categories
of work-related fatalities among 16 and 17 years olds.
NIOSH Highlights
Young Worker Injury Prevention as Summer Employment Season Nears - NIOSH
Update (June 1997)
A NIOSH Update describing NIOSH distribution of young worker injury prevention
information prior to the summer youth employment season.
NIOSH Launches
National Research Program to Protect Children on Farms From Injury, Death
(April 21, 1997)
HHS press release announcing the launch of a national research program
designed to protect children on farms from illness, injury, and death.
NIOSH Study Finds
Work Injuries, Illnesses Among Young Employees Pervasive, Preventable
- NIOSH Update (June 1996)
NIOSH Update announcing new findings on the high incidence
of young worker injuries and illnesses based on data reported by employers.
NIOSH Warns: Employment
May Be Hazardous for Adolescent Workers - NIOSH Update
(July 17, 1995)
NIOSH Update summarizing data on young worker injuries and illnesses,
and providing recommendations for prevention measures that could be taken
by employers, parents, educators and youths.
NIOSH Warns: Employment
Can Be Dangerous and Deadly for Adolescents - NIOSH Update
(May 19, 1994)
NIOSH Update announcing new findings on the incidence of young worker
injuries and illnesses based on analysis of data from emergency departments
and death certificates.
Overview of NIOSH Research on Young Worker Safety and Health
NIOSH has played a lead role in efforts to reduce injuries and illnesses
among working youth (less than 18 years of age) by conducting and supporting
science to guide prevention efforts, disseminating findings, and working
with others in collaborative outreach. Below are examples of current
NIOSH research on young worker safety and health:
- Collects and disseminates previously unavailable national and regional
data on childhood agricultural injuries and supports extramural research
to advance knowledge about the causes and prevention of childhood agricultural
injuries. More information can be found at: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/childag/
- Funds the National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural
Safety and Health to translate scientific findings into lay terms and
facilitate injury and fatality prevention across the U.S. More information
can be found at http://www.marshfieldclinic.org/nccrahs/default.aspx?page=nccrahs_about_us
- In cooperation with partners, developed and pilot tested core occupational safety and health curricula that can be used in classroom or other group training settings. The curricula was found to be effective in teaching students basic information to keep them safe and healthy on the job. The curriculum has been customized for each state and Puerto-Rico to address state-specific rules and regulations and is available at: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/talkingsafety/
- Participates in the Federal Network for Young Worker Safety and Health,
comprised of more than 30 participants representing 10 federal agencies,
to foster collaborative efforts to improve safety and health of workers
age 14 through 24. More information can be found at: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/fedNet/
- Internationally, NIOSH has provided technical assistance to the International
Labour Organization and World Health Organization in their efforts to
eliminate the worst forms of child labor and is contributing several
research projects to the five-year work plan of the WHO Global Network
of Collaborating Centers in occupational health. More information can
be found at http://www.who.int/occupational_health/
Information on NIOSH Research in Young Worker Safety and Health is also
included in a NIOSH “Program in brief” on Health and
Safety of Young and Aging Workers: 178 KB (1 page)
Related Web Sites
OSHA's
Teen Workers
External Link: http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/teenworkers/index.html
An information resource for teens, educators, parents, and employers on
young worker issues.
Youth Rules!
External Link: http://www.youthrules.dol.gov/
This site provides information about the regulations that affect young
workers in the U.S.
Youth@Work
External Link: http://youth.eeoc.gov/
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission web site with information for
youth about their rights and responsibilities as workers.
California Resource Network for Young Worker Health and Safety
External Link: http://www.youngworkers.org/
Includes useful resources and descriptions of young worker safety activities in California, and a link to the National Young Workers Resource Center that provides training and technical assistance to state and community teams working to improve young worker safety.
The Child Labor Coalition
External Link: http://www.stopchildlabor.org/
Information for teen workers as well as advocacy information about U.S.
and international child/youth labor.
National
Children's Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety
External Link: http://www.marshfieldclinic.org/NCCRAHS/
This Center funded by NIOSH and the Federal Maternal and Child Health
Bureau strives to enhance the health and safety of all children exposed
to hazards associated with agricultural work and rural environments.
Farm Safety 4 Just Kids
External Link: http://www.fs4jk.org/
Farm safety information.
Interstate Labor Standards Association
(ILSA)
External Link: http://www.ilsa.net/
Includes information on state agencies that administer and enforce child
labor laws.
Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Occupational Health Surveillance Program
External Link: http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=eohhs2subtopic&L=5&L0=Home&L1=Consumer&L2=
Community+Health+and+Safety&L3=Workplace+Health+and+Safety&L4=Work-related+Injuries+
to+Workers+Under+Age+18&sid=Eeohhs2
Contains information on teen work injury surveillance in Massachusetts, data reports, publications and educational materials.
Labor Occupational
Health Program, University of California-Berkeley
External Link: http://www.lohp.org/
Contains a variety of resources on young worker safety and health, including information on a poster contest, youth academies, and educational materials.
UCLA-Labor Occupational Safety
and Health (LOSH)
External Link: http://www.losh.ucla.edu/youth/index.html
Provides information on UCLA-Labor Occupational and Health programs aimed at improving young worker safety and health, including a Young Worker Leadership Academy, Peer Education, Presentations, and a Professional Development workshop.
Federal Network for
Young Worker Safety and Health
The Federal Network for Young Worker Safety and Health (FedNet), comprised
of more than 30 participants representing 9 federal agencies, seeks to
foster collaborative efforts to improve safety and health of workers 14
to 24 years of age. The web site describes the goal and mission of FedNet
and provides links to relevant information from federal agencies represented
on this group.
CDC Adolescent Health Webpage
CDC Webpage with information on a variety of adolescent health issues.
WorkSafe BC,
Safety at Work
External Link: http://www2.worksafebc.com/Topics/YoungWorker/Home.asp
Contains a variety of resources for preventing young worker injuries.
Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail (IRSST): Opération JeuneSST
External Link: http://www.irsst.qc.ca/en/nouveautes-jeunesst.html
Information and research on young worker safety.
WHO-
Hazardous Child Labor
External Link: http://www.who.int/occupational_health/topics/childlabour/en/
World Health Organization information on dangerous forms of child labour.
ILO
International Program to Eliminate Child Labour
External Link: http://www.ilo.org/ipec/lang--en/index.htm
Description of the International Labour Organization’s efforts to
eliminate the worst forms of child labour.
Quebec
Protocol
External Link: http://education.prevention.issa.int/product/publication.htm
Includes the Quebec City Protocol for the integration of occupational
health and safety competencies into vocational and technical education.
This protocol was collaboratively developed by numerous international
governmental agencies, including the National Institute for Occupational
Safety and Health in the United States.
|