Job safety resources for teens, parents and employers
Teen Workers: Real Jobs, Real Risks (video)
Watch this video online or borrow it from L&I's Video Library.
Gives teens essential information about their rights and responsibilities on the job. One teen tells of her life-changing serious injury on her first job. A "must see" for all working teens.
FedNet Health and Safety Materials for Youth Working in Retail Stores
The publication, “Sold on Safety” (2.5 MB PDF/ 6 min) (en español) is aimed at hazards and protections for youth working in the retail stores including grocery, department, convenience and other stores. The document was created by FedNet (the Federal Network for Young Worker Safety and Health), which includes representatives from OSHA, NIOSH, DOL/WHD, EPA, EEOC, NLRB, HUD, DOT, and others. EPA was the lead agency on this project.
Read the Latest News Stories Regarding Young Workers Getting Injured on the Job
Hazard alerts describing real life nonfatal workplace injuries to Washington workers under 25 years old are now on the web. These alerts are created from interviews with young workers, their families, or their employers. They describe how the worker was injured, what Washington regulations are related to the incident and provide recommendations and resources to prevent similar injuries from happening. These alerts stem from earlier research done by SHARP. The research showed that workers aged 18 – 21 had the highest overall nonfatal injury rate in Washington. It also showed that workers between 16 – 24 years old had a higher nonfatal injury rate than workers who were 25 years or older.
Restaurant Safety Materials
As a result of a partnership with the Washington Restaurant Association,
L&I developed various resources for employers as part of an educational
outreach initiative. These materials may be useful in a variety of other
settings as well.
Hiring Teens this Summer? (F700-142-000)
Provides important information about hiring teens, including extra safety precautions, as well as legal requirements regarding minor work endorsement, hours and prohibited duties. Provides telephone, email and Web contacts for more information.
Washington State Teen Worker Program Activities (111 KB PDF)
Washington State has a long history of assessing the injuries to teen workers and developing prevention strategies aimed at reducing the workplace injuries to young workers. This document provides a summary of the key activities.
Teens At Work: Facts for Employers, Parents and Teens? (F700-022-000)
This brochure gives useful information about working rules and conditions for teens. (Spanish Version, F700-022-999)
Teen
Wallet Card (243 KB PDF)
This bilingual (English/Spanish) card provides useful information any teen
worker needs to know when starting a new job and provides web, email, and
phone contact information.
Lawn-Care
Equipment (57 KB PDF)
This two-page document provides important safety tips when operating powered
lawn-care equipment and also describes the restrictions for minors in operating
such machinery.
Noise Exposures
Noise exposures can cause hearing loss. This is totally preventable. While
there are many work activities where earplugs or other type of hearing protection
should be used, teens are prohibited from performing work where the noise
exposure is high enough to require the use of hearing protection (WAC
296-125-030(22). This is determined by how loud the machine is and
how long it is being used. You can also find out more information about
the hearing protection requirements in Washington State.
Also, check out OSHA's special web page for teen workers about hearing (http://www.osha.gov) and ways to prevent hearing loss from noise exposure.
Youth in Construction - English/Spanish (Adolescentes en construcción) (1,436
KB PDF / 4 min)
Booklet/pamphlet: Explains the limits on work teens under age 18 can perform in the construction industry, discusses the importance of training and emphasizes safety. Includes a checklist of "do's" and "don'ts" for employers, plus other resources.
Youth in Agriculture (http://www.osha.gov)
Agriculture is one of the most hazardous industries in the country. Washington
State has a large agricultural industry where many young people either live
and work on farms, or are employed in various agricultural jobs. OSHA's
Teen Worker Web page has useful eTool for learning about the various hazards
and ways to protect yourself from injury.
Ergonomics
for School children and Young Workers (152 KB PDF)
by L&I’s Rick Goggins and the Puget Sound Chapter for Human Factors
and Ergonomics. Provides important information for preventing injuries from
lifting or awkward postures or carrying heavy loads. Also many resources
and Web links are included.
Ergonomics
Summary for School Staff and Students (100 KB PDF)
by L&I’s Rick Goggins and the Puget Sound Chapter for Human Factors
and Ergonomics. Provides tips for school staff on ways to work more safely
and comfortably, as well as ergonomics tips for school children on computers,
backpacks, video game play and after-school jobs. Includes links to many
helpful Web sites.
NIOSH
Alert: Preventing Deaths, Injuries and Illnesses of Young Workers (http://www.cdc.gov) (en espanól)
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Publication No. 2003-128 (2003) Provides case reports and examples
of risks young workers may face while on the job and recommendations for prevention.
Childhood Agriculture
Safety Network (CASN) (http://www.childagsafety.org)
The Childhood Agriculture
Safety Network (CASN) is a coalition of health and safety organizations
across the nation. These groups have combined their efforts for the first
time to bring a unified safety message to agricultural communities. The
message is geared towards protecting children from preventable injuries.
The first year of the program is centered on tractor safety and keeping
children off of tractors."
Rated R Sticker
This sticker can be used on any type of machinery prohibited for use by
teens under age 18. Examples for use include meat slicers, compactors and
paper balers, forklifts, powered tools, etc. You can print them yourself
or order them by calling 360-902-5316 or by email: teensafety@lni.wa.gov
