The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently highlighted the importance of preparing young workers to recognize hazards, understand their rights and speak up when something does not seem safe.
Source: Department of Labor, OSHA
Photo: Courtesy
Cover Photo Caption: Out of all the participating classes across the country that submitted write-ups of their discussions for a chance to win a prize drawing, interns at Gateway Regional High School in New Jersey were selected for a classroom pizza party and a virtual visit from OSHA leadership.
As students across southern New Mexico begin summer jobs, workplace safety officials are reminding young workers that every employee—regardless of age or experience—has the right to a safe workplace.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently highlighted the importance of preparing young workers to recognize hazards, understand their rights and speak up when something does not seem safe.
With many teenagers entering the workforce for the first time, OSHA says young workers should know they have the right to receive safety training, be provided appropriate safety equipment, report unsafe conditions and ask questions about workplace hazards. Workers also have the right to report safety concerns without fear of punishment or retaliation.
In a recent workplace safety campaign aimed at young employees, OSHA emphasized that all workers have the same rights, whether they are starting their first summer job, learning a new skill or entering a new workplace.
The agency also encourages employers to take extra care when training new and inexperienced workers. According to OSHA, young employees may be unfamiliar with workplace hazards and may be less likely to speak up when they encounter unsafe conditions.
Safety experts recommend that young workers understand basic emergency procedures, ask questions whenever instructions are unclear, wear required protective equipment and notify supervisors about unsafe situations.
As summer hiring continues, OSHA officials say a safe and rewarding work experience begins with understanding that workplace safety is everyone’s responsibility—but every worker has the right to return home safely at the end of the day.
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