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With more than 20 million young workers between the ages of 15 and 24, employers are reminded that they have a legal responsibility to provide a safe and healthful workplace for all their employees, regardless of age. OSHA's Young Workers webpage providesresources that include information on potential workplace hazards and testimonials from young workers injured on the job. Several state-run occupational safety and health programs have also begun initiatives to ensure that young workers return home safe and healthy each day at the end of their shifts.
Kentucky: Tech Ready Apprentices for Careers in Kentucky prepares students for the workforce. TRACK provides pre-apprenticeship opportunities to high school students through existing programs offered at secondary tech centers across the state. Students in the electrical, welding, and carpentry fields are required to complete eight safety and health training modules.
Indiana: This state is focusing on keeping young workers safe when they are driving on the job. The Indiana Department of Labor sponsored a contest for high school and college students to use their creativity and social media savvy to spread the message about the dangers of texting and driving.
Vermont: The state's "Jobs for Youth" initiative helps at-risk youth ages 16-24 find employment by providing mentoring services, a workshop and a job fair. The program targets runaways, high school dropouts, and young people who have a criminal record. At the time of job placement, workplace safety and health requirements are discussed with both the employer and the young worker being hired.
