Young worker

Overview

Workers are most likely to be injured during their first year on the job. Important ways to prevent workplace injury and death are for young workers to be aware of hazards and to be empowered to voice their concerns. Below are resources to help educate young workers, employers, parents, and educators on young worker safety. For more information on this topic, visit our general information page.

All available content

Publications

Brochures/Guides
- Seguridad para los trabajadores jóvenes
  Young worker safety
  Cubre los derechos de los trabajadores menores de edad, las responsabilidades del empleador; incluye consejos para trabajadores jóvenes.
  Spanish Order printed copy 09/01/2019
- Young worker safety
  Covers the young workers' rights and employers' responsibilities; includes workplace safety tips for young workers.
  English Order printed copy 08/08/2019
- Youth @ Work - Talking safety high school curriculum
  This brochure explains the comprehensive young worker safety training curriculum available from our training resources.
  English Training resources 04/22/2010
Cards
- Whistleblower Rights | Derechos de los denunciantes
  A pocket-sized card outlining workers’ rights in Oregon. Includes QR codes.
  English / Spanish 03/06/2024
Fact sheets
- Derecho de los trabajadores a negarse a realizar trabajos peligrosos: Información para empleados y empleadores
  Workers’ right to refuse dangerous work: Information for employees and employers
  Revisa las protecciones contra la discriminación y las reglas que especifican el derecho de un empleado a rechazar tareas laborales peligrosas.
  Spanish 07/19/2024
- Workers’ right to refuse dangerous work: Information for employees and employers
  Reviews discrimination protections and rules specifying an employee’s right to refuse dangerous work tasks.
  English 06/12/2024
Labels and stickers
- R-Rated Equipment
  Place this sticker on equipment that is not to be used by workers younger than 18 years old.
  English Order printed copy 08/05/2013
- Sticker Sheet
  An 8½ x 11 sheet of our most popular stickers.
  English 01/04/2024

Education and training

Online course
- Young Employee Safety Awareness online training
  This 45-minute training provides young workers with an awareness of health and safety at work.
  Online course 11/21/2016
Resources
- Youth @ Work - Talking Safety
  This teaching resource for educators helps inform young workers of job health and safety.
  English Resources

Grant program
- Young Employee Safety Awareness Online Training student workbook
  Use this workbook to accompany the Young Employee Safety Awareness online training.
  Workbook English 11/21/2016

Rules and rule-related

Video Resources

Borrow from the Resource Center

Young Workers
See available titles
Borrow DVDs about Young Workers from the Resource Center

Watch Online

English
- Box Lifting 101
  Learn how to safely lift boxes and prevent injury.
  Language: English Length: 1:48 minutes
- Safe vs. Unsafe
  What do young workers need to think about before starting a job? This video covers general awareness for teens about speaking up on the job and being properly trained.
  Language: English Length: 1:41 minutes
- Safe: A Restaurant Musical
  Restaurants are full of risks to the untrained worker. This musical covers the basics of restaurant safety.
  Language: English Length: 2:14 minutes
- Shoots and Ladders: A Guide to Ladder Safety
  More Oregon workers are injured in falls from ladders than from any other elevated surface. The young worker in this video shows how common mistakes can lead to accidents.
  Language: English Length: 1:15 minutes
- The Matthew Bowcott Story - Worksafe BC
  Disclaimer: Contains graphic images of injuries. Not suitable for some audiences. Matthew Bowcott's personal story of how he was badly injured in a restaurant when he was just 19 is a testament to every worker’s right to know the hazards, to speak up about safety concerns, and to refuse unsafe work.
  Language: English Length: 7:27 minutes
- WorkSafeBC Listen to Your Gut
  If something doesn’t feel safe at work, would you talk to your boss or supervisor about it?
  Language: English Length: 30 Seconds

Additional Resources

O[yes]

This nonprofit agency works towards reducing young worker deaths and injury by educating and providing resources for young worker, employers, educators, and parents.

Promoting U Through Safety & Health

This training curriculum focuses on safety, communication, and health for young workers.

Work Safe BC

Visit this website for more resources and information on young worker’s safety.

Federal OSHA - Young workers

Learn about federal OSHA standards for workplace safety.

My Safe Summer Job

Spread knowledge of young worker safety through an established communication campaign.

Wage and hour regulations

Visit the Bureau of Labor and Industries website on child labor laws in Oregon.

Employment of Minors

Learn more about the limitations that are placed on young workers younger than 18 as they enter the workforce.