Many workers who have been killed on the job have been under the age of 25. Every year there are young workers between the ages of 16 and 24 who are injured at work and now that summer is almost here, summer workers need to be aware of the hazardous they face on the job.
OSHA has released some safety tips for young workers to heed in order to prevent unnecessary injuries or fatalities on the job. Workers who are injured while still young may still experience the repercussions of their injuries thirty years down the road.
Here are some of the most important safety tips to keep in mind:
Training is Essential
No matter how easy the job appears to be, it is vital to be properly trained to do the work especially if there is equipment operation involved.
Know Your Rights
If at any time on the job you are told to perform work you do not feel safe doing, you have the right to say ‘no’ without concern of retribution from your supervisor. You should also be aware of your rights as a worker under the age of 18. There are special regulations for underage workers.
Be On Alert
In a workplace environment, it is important to always be on alert. Keep an eye out for workplace hazards such as wet floors, hot surfaces, malfunctioning equipment, and even concerning co-workers.
Report Any Incident
If you are ever involved in an accident or receive an injury while working no matter how minor, it is imperative you report it immediately. A small scratch may not seem like a big deal but if it should develop an infection, you will be covered under Workers Compensation laws. Don’t feel intimidated by anyone when reporting minor on the job injuries as it is for your own benefit.
