Safety a priority for teenage workers

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A tighter job market may challenge teens looking for work this summer, but officials at the Washington state Department of Labor & Industries are reminding teens, parents and employers to make workplace safety a top priority as teens start summer jobs.

Teens under 18 are injured on the job at a higher rate than adults, according to state and national data. Nearly 50 percent of injuries to teens occur during the first six months on the job.

L&I recommends starting with resources available at the L&I Teen Safety Web site, www.TeenWorkers.Lni.wa.gov , including an online video featuring a teen who was seriously injured at her first job. Employers who hire teens must obtain a minor work endorsement on their master business license, as well as a parent authorization form for the job assignments and hours the teen will be working.

In general, 14- and 15-yearolds may perform lighter tasks such as office work, cashiering and stocking shelves, bagging and carrying groceries. Work assignments for 16- and 17-year-olds can be less restrictive. Generally, if safety equipment other than a hard hat, eye protection or gloves is required, then it’s not an appropriate job for minors.

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