The Voice of California's Consulting Geotechnical Engineers
CalGeo News
Industry News
May 19, 2010
Focus on Young Worker Safety
Courtesy of the California State Compensation Insurance Fund
Summer employment and after school jobs teach young workers responsibility, provide them with extra spending money, and in some cases, supplement family income. To employers, they can be a necessary and valuable addition for work production. But if not properly trained, jobs can put young workers at risk for injuries.
Employers play a key role in creating a safe work environment and preventing injuries to young workers. Employers need to know and comply with child labor laws that apply to their business. The law outlines restrictions regarding the type of job workers under the age of 18 can and cannot do to protect their health and safety. It also sets the hours that youths may work, both during the school year and during the summer. At minimum, employers are required to provide a safe and healthful workplace, give detailed instructions on how to do a job properly; train young workers to put safety first, and provide adequate supervision. Employers should be aware of their responsibility to protect the youth they employ and to understand the potential for tragedy if laws are not followed.
Young workers have responsibilities too. They should participate in training programs related to their jobs; inform their supervisors when doing a task for the first time; ask questions if clarification is needed, be aware of their physical limitations; and report any hazards to their supervisors. Young workers also have the right to refuse to do a job if it is immediately dangerous to their life or health. With certain exceptions, a youth under 18 who takes a job must have a work permit issued by the school district.
State Fund wants to ensure that introductory workplace experiences will instill in our youths an understanding and awareness of job safety and health that will carry throughout their careers. Find safety publication material for workers, employees, parents, and other organizations by visiting www.dir.ca.gov/YoungWorker/YoungWorkersMain.html or call the toll-free Worker Information Hotline at (866) 924-9757.
Member Highlight
Amer A. Hussain
P.E.
Vice President of Engineering, BSK Associates
