Am Fam Physician. 1999;60(2):587-588
See related article on working teenagers.
Am I at risk of getting hurt at work?
Yes, you may be. Every year about 70 teens in the United States die as a result of injuries at work. Another 70,000 teens are hurt on the job and have to go to a hospital or emergency department. Teens are often injured on the job because of unsafe equipment, because they were working too fast or working under stress, or because they didn't have proper safety training or supervision.
What Hazards Should I Watch Out For?
| Type of work | Examples of hazards |
|---|---|
| Food service | Slippery floors |
| Hot pans, stoves and grills | |
| Sharp objects | |
| Janitorial | Toxic chemicals in cleaning supplies |
| Blood on discarded needles | |
| Human waste | |
| Office/clerical | Stress |
| Harassment | |
| Poor computer work-station design (causes repetitive movement problems) | |
| Retail/sales | Heavy lifting |
| Violent crimes (such as robberies) |
Are there certain jobs I'm not allowed to do?
Yes. Depending on your age, certain jobs are considered too dangerous for you according to federal labor laws. (These laws don't apply to children working on family farms.)
If you're younger than age 18 you are not allowed to do the following activities:
Drive a motor vehicle as a regular part of the job or operate a forklift at any time
Operate many types of powered equipment, such as a box crusher, meat slicer or circular saw
Work in wrecking, demolition, excavation or roofing
Work in mining, logging or a sawmill
Work in meat-packing or slaughtering
Work where there is exposure to radiation
Work where explosives are manufactured or stored
Also, if you're age 14 or 15 you may not do the following activities:
Bake or cook on the job (except at a serving counter)
Operate power-driven machinery (except certain types that pose little hazard, such as those used in offices)
Work on a ladder or scaffold
Work in warehouses
Work in construction, building or manufacturing
Load or unload a truck, railroad car or conveyor belt
If you're under age 14, there are even stricter laws to protect your health and safety.
Are there limits to when and how much I can work?
Federal child labor laws protect 14- and 15-year-olds from working too often, too late or too early. Some states have laws that apply to older teens as well.
14- and 15-Year-Olds Can Work These Hours
| Work hours | From 7 a.m. to 7. p.m. between Labor Day and June 1 | |
| Not during school hours | ||
| From 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. between June 1 and Labor Day | ||
| Maximum work hours when school is in session | 18 hours a week but not more than: | |
| 3 hours a day on school days | ||
| 8 hours a day on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays | ||
| Maximum work hours when school is not in session | 40 hours a week, 8 hours a day | |
What are my rights?
By law, your employer must provide a safe and healthful workplace that is free of hazards. Your employer should also provide safety and health training.
You have the right to refuse to work if the job is immediately dangerous to your life or health. If you feel unsafe or that your rights have been violated, you can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Labor. Remember, it's illegal for your employer to fire you or punish you for reporting a workplace hazard.
What are my safety responsibilities on the job?
To work safely you should keep in mind the following:
Follow all safety rules.
Use safety equipment and wear protective clothing when needed.
Keep work areas clean and neat.
Know what to do in an emergency.
Report any health and safety hazards to your supervisor.
Who can I contact for help or additional information?
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
800-35-NIOSH (800-356-4674)
Web address: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/.
U.S. Department of Labor
Web address: http://www.dol.gov
The local Wage and Hour Office
(Check under Department of Labor in the blue pages of your local telephone book)