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.

Restaurant safety program 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, e-mail and Web contacts for more information.

Are You an Employer or a Parent of a Teen Worker? (F700-115-000)
This one-page summary gives useful information about how to keep young workers safe at work. (Spanish Version, F700-115-999)

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, e-mail, 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 Schoolchildren 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)
DHHS (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.

NIOSH Alert for Young Workers (Spanish) (http://www.cdc.gov)
The NIOSH Alert Preventing Deaths, Injuries and Illnesses of Young Workers is now available in Spanish. The Alert identifies hazardous working areas and provides recommendations for youth to remain safe while working in those conditions.

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 e-mail: teensafety@lni.wa.gov