Monthly Archives: June 2009

Uncategorized

Teenagers and Summer Job Safety

This summer, as every summer, brings a new work force, called “teenagers”!  Employers must provide training for their new employees, in order to make them aware of the hazards of their jobs.  Parents need to also be informed of exactly what their teenager will be expected to do, and what the employer is doing to ensure the utmost safety.

Restaurants
For many young workers, their first job may be working in a restaurant or fast food establishment.  Almost 30% of the 11.6 million people in the United States that work in restaurants are under the age of 20.

Note:

  • Employees younger than 16 are not allowed to cook, with the exception of lunch counters, snack bars, soda fountains, or serving counters at cafeterias.  This is according to the Fair Labor Standards Act.
  • State Child Labor Laws may even be more stringent.
  • Teens need to ask questions of their employer in order to fulfill the demands of the job.  These type jobs provide an excellent learning experience for youngsters.
  • Hazards include slips, falls, cuts, spills, etc.
  • Teens need to have protective clothing and equipment furnished by their employer.  These may include hairnets, disposable gloves, hot pad gloves, back supports for those who lift heavy supplies.

Construction
OSHA, which enforces work place safety, says that workers age 16-17, are allowed to work in construction only in limited capacities.

Restrictions include:

  • Operating Equipment:  The law is that no one under age 18 may operate equipment, i.e. forklifts, and other heavy equipment used in construction.
  • Hardhats, safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection, and easily visible clothing should be furnished.
  • Workers under the age of 16 cannot work on ladders or scaffolds.

Landscaping/Farms/Parks
If your teenager chooses to work in landscaping, farming, or parks and recreation, theses are also considerations:

  • Exposure to sun will require protective safety glasses, which provide 99% security from the sun’s harmful rays.
  • Knowledge of handling of chemicals, (whether pool treatment chemicals, farm or other hazardous substances.
  • Items to help relieve heat stress.  (Bandannas or other cooling products can help cool the body’s heat by about 10 degrees!)

These are just a few of many types of jobs teens will want to try this summer.  Just remember, parents and teens have the right to know what to expect and how they will be protected on the job!

Our source for this information: OSHA Teen Summer Job Safety

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

JUNE – NATIONAL SAFETY MONTH WEEK 1 (June 1 – June 7) FOCUS ON TEEN DRIVING

Most of us began driving when we were teenagers………what a powerful feeling to finally get behind the wheel!  How great it was to see and be seen by our peers as we drove up and down the streets, by the high school, and pulled up to the local drive-in.  Many of us learned, as most kids do today as well, by the examples our parents set.  If their driving behaviors consisted of speeding, running stop lights, yelling at some other driver, not wearing seatbelts, drinking while driving, and letting personal upsets get in the way of safety, chances are their teenagers will have learned the same bad traits.  So, parents, think about what type of role model you are.

Stephen Wallace, National Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of S.A.D.D. (Students Against Destructive Decisions) say that high school drivers say they talk on cell phones while driving, and that they speed.  They probably text on their cell phones, as well.  It is the mission of S.A.D.D.  to provide students with the best preventative tools to deal with issues of underage drinking, other drug use, impaired driving and other destructive decisions.  Originally founded as Students Against Driving Drunk, the group realized there are so many other issues facing teenagers that must be addressed.

Most states require some type of formal drivers education or training programs.  However, this is just a small part of the experience of driving that teenagers get.  Parental supervision furnishes more practice, and open conversations between parents and new drivers go a long way toward building a foundation of safe driving.  Parents should also consider the type of person their teenager is: one that is willing to take risks, or one that shows good judgment.  Will they also obey rules set down by their parents, and follow the regulations of driving?

It’s a great feeling for parents to be able to furnish their teenagers’ first car, but they need to let them know that if the rules are broken, grounding will be in effect.  It would be better to park the car for a week or so, than live with the results of a bad accident that could take their life, or the life of someone else.

We hope that this summer will be a safe one for everyone, especially our teens!  Drive friendly, and keep the roads safe.