During 4QR's upcoming seminar on May 13, 2010, there will be a discussion about the safety obligations of companies that hire youth workers. Youth workers are minors from the ages of 14 to 17. During the school year, minors can work minimized hours around school hours. These hours are extended during the summer schedule when school is out. There are specific regulations on the type of work youths can do in an industrial company. And all counties in Georgia this summer are organizing Teen Work Programs that use Stimulus Money to help youths find work.
Some companies may also have young workers under the age of 25, which are estimated to make up about 14 % of the labor force. A recent article from EHS Today discusses some of the statistics and indicates that injuries are greatest among 18 and 19 year old workers. The article goes on to indicate "fatalities of younger workers occur most frequently in services, construction, retail trade, and agricultural." In all age categories, fatalities are mostly reported in transportation accidents.
Youths have inexperience in dealing with equipment and vehicles. The mentality of invincibility may be strong. And unfortunately, youths do not often understand the importance of personal protective equipment, sometimes placing comfort first. Then there is the added stress factor of trying to be a great employee - the temptation of taking short cuts to make timely deliveries.
Training for the supervisors and team leaders who manage youths can help minimize injuries and raise awareness to the regulations. If your company has or is planning to hire youths in the near future, how would you rank your knowledge on understanding the safety obligations regarding youths in the workplace? Are you comfortable that the positions companies are placing youths in are suitable for their safety and the safety of others?
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