The tools are the latest interactive, Web-based training tools unveiled by OSHA. The new eTools are located on OSHA's Teen Workers Web site, and are part of the agency's contribution to the Department of Labor's initiative on young workers.
"Educating and training young workers about how to stay safe on the job today will help prevent injuries today and lead to a healthy workforce in the future," said OSHA Administrator John Henshaw. "These new resources provide practical information to protect young workers from hazards in industries in which many of them are likely to work during their high school and college years."
Eighty percent of U.S. teenagers work during their high school years. Of those, 52 percent will find jobs in the retail sector, which includes restaurants and fast food establishments. The "Teen Worker Safety in Restaurants" eTool highlights the most common hazards in these workplaces and offers safety and health suggestions, safety posters, and electronic links to educate young workers about safety on the job. Areas of focus include serving, clean-up, drive-thru, cooking, food preparation, delivery and worker rights and child labor laws.
The "Youth in Agriculture" eTool presents case studies that describe common hazards and offers potential teen safety solutions in such areas as farm equipment operations, confined spaces and prevention of common injuries resulting from falls, electrocutions and chemical exposures.
OSHA's Teen Workers page offers educational resources such as fact sheets on workplace rights and responsibilities, hazards on the job, ways to prevent injuries, work hours, job restrictions and more. It can be accessed from the Department of Labor's YouthRules! Web site, or on OSHA's home page under "Audiences".
About the Author
Sandy Smith
Sandy Smith is the former content director of EHS Today, and is currently the EHSQ content & community lead at Intelex Technologies Inc. She has written about occupational safety and health and environmental issues since 1990.