Tips for safely employing young workers

Most injuries to young workers occur within the first 12 months of employment.

  • Download the tip sheet: Tips for Safely Employing Young Workers

The term “young worker” can include teens, young adults, and anyone new to the workforce. Young workers want to perform well at work, but they need help to work safely. The following risk factors should be considered when employing youth:

  • They lack on-the-job experience, including an understanding of the risks associated with each job.
  • Young people in general tend to feel invincible and may be more apt to take risks on the job.
  • Young workers are usually not aware that they have rights and responsibilities and some job tasks are illegal for them to do.
  • Young people have trouble relating cause and effect and therefore don’t consider how an injury today could disable them for life.
  • They have a desire to prove themselves and, therefore, may do unsafe things.
  • Young workers may be reluctant to ask questions.
  • They may lack awareness of risks on the job, including the fact that they could be killed while at work.

So what can you do?

To find out how to teach young workers valuable lessons that they will take with them throughout their working career, read Tips for Safely Employing Young Workers.

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